Infomancy n. 1.The field of magic related to the conjuring of information from the chaos of the universe. 2.The collection of terms, queries, and actions related to the retrieval of information from arcane sources.

This definition of infomancy is the work of Christopher Harris. In addition to being a prominent member of the library blogosphere, Chris leads a school library system in New York.

Chris’ definition of infomancy drew me in because it seems a more appropriate term than “librarianship” for what most of us do each day. There is an art to working with this world of endless information; an art to creating order where none exists. Librarians are magicians, in our own right. We make information appear, as if out of a hat. We conjure knowledge. And we help to transform people, institutions, and societies. It’s a noble art, and I thank Chris for putting a proper word to it.