The dual approach to the value of information: An appraisal of use and exchange values

摘要

Research on the value of information in the field of information science from the information use viewpoint is reviewed and analyzed. Value concept in philosophy forms the starting point for the analysis. Practical values of different types of information are analyzed to study the problems in assessing the use value (or value-in-use) and the exchange value of information. Existing research on the value of information is presented and analyzed from this new angle to the economics of information studies. As a result, it is suggested that it is impossible to measure the total value of information; instead some descriptions of the value-in-use and the exchange values can be given. Some aspects of the value-in-use of information (described by examples and case-studies), and the exchange values of information products and services in the market can be measured.