Bibliography in the digital age: challenges to ensure the democratization of access to information

Abstract

Introduction: Bibliography has a mediation function, which is extremely important to ensure access, appropriation and use of information. However, even today, marked by the intense use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the democratization of access to information still faces barriers in terms of accessibility (physical and cognitive) and usability of information products or systems. Objectives: Paying attention to the principles of Bibliography, the aim was to reflect on the challenges present in bibliographic work to promote the democratization of access to information in modern digital environments. Methodology: This is exploratory research, based on bibliographical surveys, analysis of the findings present in these surveys and preparation of a brief systematization. Results: Taking social inclusion as an empirical object, seen as a step towards achieving social justice, two challenges stood out. The first is related to understanding the area and contours of the empirical object of bibliographic work. And the second consists of identifying the potential user, their informational demands and the contexts in which these demands arise, in order to provide accessibility and usability, in the user content context triad, relying on the facilities that the digital environment offers. Conclusions: The principles of Bibliography constitute important pillars for the democratization of access to information. However, given the wide use of ICTs, the same principles that guide bibliographic work need to be rethought, in light of the potential users of information products and services, their needs and respective contexts of use. At the same time, within the scope of ICTs, it is understood that such products and services must be designed as part of a network integrated with other information services/products.