Information dissemination refers to the process of sharing new or existing information with others, whether it is done verbally, through writing, or via technology. It is the means by which facts are distributed to the public at large. Dissemination is a key component of effective communication, as it ensures that information reaches its intended audience. The term is most commonly used in the context of news media, but it can also apply to other forms of communication, such as marketing or advertising.
The types of information used for dissemination can be divided into various categories, such as practical information, referral information, condense information, and repackaged information. Practical information covers employment opportunities, new products, and the like, while referral information involves statistical and quantitative data that may be analyzed to discover trends. Condense information gives the audience a concise picture of the contents of a book, digest, or other abstract where comprehensive information is detailed, while repackaged information is a means of explaining technical data so a layperson can easily understand it.
Dissemination of information is becoming more important for scientists, as journals start to encourage them to invest extra effort in reaching wider audiences. Information dissemination can be powerful when adding rhetoric or other forms of persuasiveness to the speech. However, it is important to note that the harvest of the seeds cast during dissemination is never assured.
From an information security perspective, information that needs dissemination should be accurate, available when needed, and only given out to those with a need to know. Business owners should have an Information Handling Policy in place that sets requirements for employees to follow based upon the type of information they have access to.
