Abstract This article summarizes the findings of a book-length study of how Americans have used information since the 1700s, with a primary emphasis on the post-1870 period. The author argues that residents of North America were extensive users of information in their work and in their public and private lives. Reasons are offered for that dependence on information: high levels of literacy, economic prosperity, open political system, and considerable personal freedom to do as one wanted. The article describes findings on information use in the private sector, public sector, and in private life, including the American experience using the Internet.

中文翻译：

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1870 年以来美国的信息史

摘要 本文总结了自 1700 年代以来美国人如何使用信息的一本书长度的研究结果，主要侧重于 1870 年后的时期。作者认为，北美居民在工作、公共和私人生活中是信息的广泛使用者。对信息的依赖提供了原因：高水平的识字率、经济繁荣、开放的政治制度和相当大的个人自由，可以随心所欲。文章描述了私营部门、公共部门和私人生活中信息使用的发现，包括美国使用互联网的经验。