Information Culture in higher education context: theoretical contributions

Abstract

Information culture (IC) arises from information flows to optimize communication processes within an or-ganization, parallel to development of information and communication technology and a series of contributions from different disciplines that gave rise to the phenomenon. Process of analyzing and understanding its complexity refers to its study from different perspec-tives; given the multidisciplinarity that characterizes it. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical contributions to the field of study on IC in educational field, specifically from higher education level and approach of access and use of information. Conceptual analysis was carried out with qualitative methodology, which allowed to identify semantic elements generated from organizational context and how these were insert-ed in educational environment. Constant comparison method (MCC) was used from theoretic integration of creative intellectual field (CIC). Results confirm some elements that went from organizational to higher education learning processes, where these institutions are responsible for implementing strategies for development of skills in access and use of information as vital components of IC. Additionally, value of information as intellectual capital is argued and it is established as a conclusion that, implementation of IC emerges from generation of intellectual capital and the fact that this is monitored and measured or quantified in systematic way, it can be affirmed that there is a consolidated IC.