World of Information

of any attempt to teach concepts of information. Therefore, if a core module does not

fit in with a student’s existing concept of information, it can make it hard for the student to recognize the relevance of that module. This paper addresses that problem by

summarizing concepts of information, and by presenting a simple model that attempts

to unite the various concepts listed. The model is based on the idea that the meaning

in a message depends on the context in which the message originated (the authorial

context), and the context in which it is interpreted (the readership context).

Characteristics of authors, readers and messages are discussed. The impact of the

‘knowledge’ of ‘information’ users, and of their community, is considered. Implications

of the model are discussed. A definition of information is suggested, which attempts to