The Search for Women's Information: A Research Perspective

Abstract

This paper provides a research perspective on developing information communication technology (ICT) in service to women and their communities. The activities which produce women's information are those which primarily serve, examine, and/or enhance the lives of women. ICT, when well designed, can make a significant improvement in both the development and dissemination of this information. Three interdisciplinary constructs underpin the proposed ICT research: development of women's knowledge structures, patterns in women's communication, and gender-related technology response patterns. Knowledge structure research can improve the design of information storage and retrieval systems by reinforcing the mechanisms many women use to incorporate new information into their extant understanding. Socially constructed communication patterns can provide a substantive array of strategies and tactics for women to use in sharing information. Understanding technology response patterns can improve ICT design and development as well as its deployment by supporting adaptation to both individual and community situations. Each of these three constructs is carefully explained in terms of both theory and current research. Finally, a three-part research agenda is proposed as the next stage in the cohesive, interdisciplinary, international development of women's information communication technology.