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.