Empowering through Information Culture: Participatory Culture, a Stepping Stone? A Theoretical Reflection

Abstract

This paper explores the role of "information culture", -used in preference to "information literacy" in the French context, with emphasis on the social and cultural dimensions - in empowering people in relation to the field of library and information science, at the time of networks and web 2.0. We will focus on the ongoing changes, including the phenomenon of digital convergence and the hybridization of cultures (digital, media, information culture) that accompanies it. These changes are at the origin of a participatory and contributive culture, often presented as an opportunity to increase the "ability to act", providing more control over contents. After defining the concept of empowerment, we will question the claims about the potential of participatory culture. Are "social" media fundamentally different from "old" media? Are they a new area of knowledge and a stepping stone to become autonomous actors, creators of contents and knowledge (versus mere consumers)?. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2013.