Information practices are environmental

Presentation at the ISIC 2026 the Information Behaviour Conference in Montreal, QC, Canada.

Abstract

This paper interrogates the ‘environmentality’ of information behaviour, arguing that understanding information practices necessitates a recognition of their inherent relationship with, and influence upon, the broader physical and more-than-human environment. Despite considerable research into information environments and ecosystems, a sustained investigation into this fundamental connection has been surprisingly limited. We contend that information practices are not simply enacted within a container-like context, but rather unfold as part of a more-than-human habitat. Through a selective review of existing literature and illustrative empirical vignettes, this work expands the conceptualisation of information practices beyond traditional cognitive, sociomaterial, and sociocultural approaches. Specifically, we adopt an ‘environmentality’ lens, understanding information practices as mutually constructed with the physical environment – encompassing material, natural, and more-than-human elements – to better account for their embodiedness, materiality, and ecological impact. Ultimately, this research seeks to enrich our understanding of information practices by acknowledging their intricate interplay with the surrounding environment, inviting further investigation into the reciprocal relationships between human and non-human actors engaged in these practices.