Virtuality at work: An enabler of professional information literacy

Abstract

This Chapter discusses how virtuality of work can enhance the experience of information literacy. Virtuality of work refers to accomplishment of day-to-day job through the intermediary of cyberspace (Shekhar, 2006). Virtuality as discussed in this book chapter, focuses on the nature of work context and is considered as an inherent characteristic of work practices. Virtuality of work in this sense focuses mainly on the work context rather than the workplace. Therefore, what is of interest here is not a virtual workplace but rather work practices that need a virtual context to be executed in. In this regard, the present chapter argues that in professions in which virtuality is an essential component, information literacy can be experienced beyond the workplace boundaries and at a professional level. This is introduced as a result of possibilities virtuality allows, particularly with respect to its potential to enhance interactions among people. It will use an example work context to review the role of virtuality in workplace information literacy experience. It considers how virtuality, as an element of work context, enables information literacy to be experienced beyond workplace boundaries and at a professional level and perhaps as a new theoretical construct for information literacy. This chapter is specifically of interest to people for whom virtuality is a key component of their workplaces. Educators and information professionals who assist these cohorts might also benefit from the insights provided. Additionally, the chapter sheds light on the practice of associated professional bodies/organisations to enable them to support information literacy of people in those fields.