Elaboration on the difference that makes a difference

· the map is not the territory

· what gets on the map? – difference!

· difference – an abstract matter

· “ding an sicht” àinfinite facts i.e. differences

· selected facts [differences] matter

· “elementary unit of information is the difference that makes a difference! - Gregory Bateson. “Form, Substance And Difference”

Our task as reference librarians [information mediators] is to determine the ‘difference that makes a difference’ to the information seekers we serve

Primary purpose of this course – sensitize us to our core mission –

Being prepared to move effectively to assist our clients to make sense of their information situations by identifying and responding to the difference that makes a difference.