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Universal Access in the Information Society

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18-08-2021 | Long Paper

Conceptualizing access to and understanding of information

Authors: Marie Michèle Grenon, Julie Ruel, Patrick Fougeyrollas, Claude L. Normand, André C. Moreau, Alejandro Romero-Torres, Sylvie Gravel

Published in: Universal Access in the Information Society | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Purpose

Many citizens face situations where they have difficulty accessing and understanding information, particularly due to insufficient literacy skills. Although strategies have been proposed for improving comprehensibility of texts or web sites, there is no consensus on the standards to favor, nor is there any one single approach that addresses this issue. This article defines the expression “access to and understanding of information,” with the aim of guiding designers in their quest to develop inclusive information resources. Method A literature search was performed. The investigation led to the identification of elements that could serve as dimensions or indicators for the conceptualization of access to information. In a co-construction process, the co-authors compared these elements with the dimensions and indicators from Fougeyrollas et al.’s (2015, 2019) conceptualization of “access” in order to adjust and complement these so that they may apply in the context of access to information. Results First, the expression “access to and understanding of information” is clarified because it is not well defined in the scientific literature. Then, a theoretical conceptualization of access to information is proposed in order to clarify what this term encompasses; also elaborating on its dimensions and indicators and on ways to measure them. Conclusion This conceptualization stems from a literature search and a co-construction of the “access to information” concept. It is still evolving because we aim to enrich it in step with social, technological, and knowledge developments, with the objective of meeting users’ needs.

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In the remainder of the text, the expression “access to information” will incorporate “access to and understanding of information.”

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Title: Conceptualizing access to and understanding of information
Authors: Marie Michèle Grenon
Julie Ruel
Patrick Fougeyrollas
Claude L. Normand
André C. Moreau
Alejandro Romero-Torres
Sylvie Gravel
Publication date: 18-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Universal Access in the Information Society / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1615-5289
Electronic ISSN: 1615-5297
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-021-00836-w

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