Which came first the implicit or the explicit?

Implicit?

In libraries there are two types of information; implicit or that which is implied, and explicit, that which is expressed. We see this in the signage and displays (explicit); in the titles that are on the shelves or not and the overall information experience or lack thereof (implicit). Signage and displays shout loud and clear where things are, what image we are trying to render; the implicit context of a library can blatantly express biases and prejudices within the library by excluding certain topics and / or subjects in the information base.

Weinberger discusses how maps are designed for exclusive audiences, relating very specialized information for very specific identified segments of the population [p.158]. Libraries are really no different. The library where I am currently employed, we are very aware that our target audience is of an academic nature. We tend to stick very closely to the current curriculum offered in order to develop the collection and events (lecture series, performers, etc.) that are hosted in the library. We walk a fine line between attempting to grab our audience’s attention, fulfilling their information needs and catering to their needs academically. We work closely with instructors to develop extra-curricular activities that relate directly to what is being discussed or studied in the classroom in order to generate participation either by interest or extra credit (yep, not above playing that card).

I think that over the few weeks of this course, I have come to see how transparency, as mentioned in Kevin Kelly’s TEDTalk, is very important in sharing information. Although I love social media and connecting with people world-wide, I’ve never been that comfortable with sharing information I feel is personal. However, after reading Weinberger’s comments on his list of “hobbies and interests” on profile forms [Mapping the Implicit, p. 154], I found that what I’m not sharing is really more telling about me. I like Weinbeger kept my hobbies and interests very vague in order not to ruffle feathers and / or seem controversial. Which is funny because in real-life, I don’t seem to be able to filter anything that comes out of my mouth…if I have an opinion on it, you’re gonna know it. Online, I have tried to construct a very carefully conservative persona, but am I really giving clues to the uncensored, dissident that I am? (well, maybe not dissident, but even my old high school counselor still calls me the square peg trying to fit in a round hole, 20 years later)

I’d like to think that what I have contributed either implicitly or explicitly has played some part in helping someone out there find information. I like to think that I’ve had a part of participating in this infinite community that has been built on wires and computer chips. I will have to say I feel more comfortable about being more transparent in the online world as I now understand what kind of impact it can have on this new layer of society.