The evolving role of information professionals in navigating places, spaces, and nurturing new discourses in the in-between

Abstract

Information professionals are at the forefront of navigating the intricacies of shifting landscapes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Society 5.0, such as physical places, digital domains, and transitional zones in between,where boundaries blur and new discourses emerge. They are expected to extend their expertise into new domains and enrich their professional practice to better meet the evolving needs of their users. Third Space theory reported in Kuhlthau’s work on guided inquiry and information literacy offers a framework, that creates an “in-between” space,which allows personal experience to merge with professional information and encounters to help information professionals expand beyond their traditional domain expertise. These spaces promote the bridging of theory and practice, the navigation of ethical boundaries, access to multi-perspective discourse, engagement in active listening,adjustment to evolving technologies, and facilitation of innovative methods. Creating in-between spaces that promote conversations, interaction, information flow, and access is critical to navigating the intricacies. This interactive panel will explore how information professionals may use Third Space as a framework to offer a new way of thinking and addressing complex societal challenges while prioritizing human values, needs, and well-being