The problem of information overload in business organisations: a review ofthe literature

Citation
A. Edmunds et A. Morris, The problem of information overload in business organisations: a review ofthe literature, INT J INF M, 20(1), 2000, pp. 17-28
Citations number
43
Categorie Soggetti
Library & Information Science
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
ISSN journal
02684012 → ACNP
Volume
20
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
17 - 28
Database
ISI
SICI code
0268-4012(200002)20:1<17:TPOIOI>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature on the problem of information overload, w ith particular reference to business organisations. The literature reveals that although the problem of information overload has existed for many year s, in recent years the problem has become more widely recognised and experi enced. Both perceptions and the actual effects of information overload have been exacerbated by the rapid advances made in information and communicati on technology, although it is not clear cut as to whether the Internet has worsened or improved the situation. A theme stressed in the literature is t he paradoxical situation that, although there is an abundance of informatio n available, it is often difficult to obtain useful, relevant information w hen it is needed. Some solutions put forward to reduce information overload are: a reduction in the duplication of information found in the profession al literature; the adoption of personal information management strategies, together with the integration of software solutions such as push technology and intelligent agents; and the provision of value-added information (filt ered by software or information specialists). An emphasis is placed on tech nology as a tool and not the driver, while increased information literacy m ay provide the key to reducing information overload. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.