LibGuides: Research & Writing: The Information Cycle

What is the Information Cycle?

The term "Information Cycle" refers to the way that information is produced and distributed, and how it changes over time. Usually, it's used to describe the progression of media coverage relating to a particular newsworthy event or topic.

Understanding how the information cycle works will help you to know what kinds of information may be available on your topic as you locate and evaluate research sources.

The progression of the information cycle is connected to the amount of time after an event:

Same Day - social networking (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), mobile communication (e.g., texting), mainstream media (TV, radio, Internet news sites)
Next Day/Week of - newspapers
Following Week(s)- popular magazines, general government information
Six Months later - scholarly journals
One year + later - books, government reports, reference material

Information Cycle

The information cycle shows how information is distributed after a significant event and how that information can change over time.

The Day of an Event

Television, Social Media, and the Web

The who, what, why, and where of the event
Quick, not detailed, regularly updated
Authors are journalists, bloggers, social media participants
Intended for general audiences

The Day After an Event

Newspapers

Explanations and timelines of the event begin to appear
More factual information, may include statistics, quotes, photographs, and editorial coverage
Authors are journalists
Intended for general audiences

The Week or Weeks After an Event

Weekly Popular Magazines and News Magazines

Long form stories begin to discuss the impact on society, culture, and public policy
More detailed analyses, interviews, and various perspectives emerge
Authors range from journalists to essayists, and commentary provided by scholars and experts in the field
Intended for a general audience or specific nonprofessional groups

Six Months to a Year or More After an Event

Academic, Scholarly Journals

Focused, detailed analysis and theoretical, empirical research
Peer-reviewed, ensuring high credibility and accuracy
Authors include scholars, researchers, and professionals
Intended for an audience of scholars, researchers, and university students

A Year to Years After an Event

Books

In-depth coverage ranging from scholarly in-depth analysis to popular books
Authors range from scholars to professionals to journalists
Include reference books which provide factual information, overviews, and summaries

Government Reports

Reports from federal, state, and local governments
Authors include governmental panels, organizations, and committees
Often focused on public policy, legislation, and statistical analysis

Example: The Information Cycle of the Boston Marathon Bombing

DAY OF EVENT

A Boston Globe tweet on the day of the marathon bombing:

https://twitter.com/BostonGlobe/status/323872661866442753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

DAYS AFTER THE EVENT

A Boston Globe article on the 102 hours spent trying to capture the suspects:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/04/28/bombreconstruct/VbSZhzHm35yR88EVmVdbDM/story.html

WEEKS AFTER THE EVENT

An Atlantic article about the suspect a few weeks after the event. The Atlantic is a print and online magazine that focuses on current events:

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/04/tsarnaev-without-tears-the-legal-way-forward/275160/

MONTHS TO A YEAR AFTER THE EVENT

A peer reviewed article from one of the library's databases examining local politicians and city officials capturing the suspects alongside public opinion of their work: