The aim of this paper is to discuss a conceptual model of communication of information applicable to studies of the interaction between user and librarian based on "conversational competencies" in a reference service. In information science would the phenomenon of "conversational skills" be in the transfer or communication of information? Would Shannon and Weaver 's model be the most appropriate to explain this phenomenon? Reflecting on that first question, there seems to be a conceptual confusion when the subject is communication of information in information science. We used Barreto (2005) and Pinheiro and Loureiro (1995) as a basis for the discussion of the first question. Regarding the second question, perhaps explaining the adoption of the model of Shannon and Weaver in information science is given through the study of paradigms. Since the early research of information science in the mid-50s were more focused on the physical paradigm of information retrieval and the model of Shannon and Weaver appears at approximately the same time its appropriation was almost immediate. But, with the inclusion of other paradigms such as cognitive and social paradigms in the studies of information science, and also with the emergence of other theories in science communication, the model of Shannon and Weaver came to be deconstructed and rebuilt under new perspectives.
Communication of information; Transfer of information; Conversational competencies; Reference service
