Information culture: a perspective from Mainland China

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of information culture in Mainland China and apply the information culture framework to an organizational setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The foundation for the research is provided by a review of Chinese and English language literature and a case study of a university library was conducted, involving semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The information culture framework facilitated identification of factors not recognized in previous information culture research, including uniquely Chinese factors of egocentrism, guanxi (relationships), mianzi (face), hexie (harmony) and renqing (mutual benefit). A further finding highlighted the profound differences between archives and library institutions in China.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first step toward further exploring features of Chinese organizational culture which will not only influence information management practices but also highlight the issues relating to collaboration between libraries and archives in China.

Citation

Lian, Z. and Oliver, G. (2020), "Information culture: a perspective from Mainland China", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 76 No. 1, pp. 109-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2019-0093