# Peter Lyman > American information theorists **Wikidata**: [Q1616033](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1616033) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Lyman) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-lyman ## Summary Peter Lyman was an American information theorist, librarian, and computer scientist known for his work in digital libraries and information studies. He was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he made significant contributions to understanding how information is organized and accessed in the digital age. ## Biography - Born: September 13, 1940, in San Francisco - Nationality: American - Education: Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley - Known for: Information theory, digital libraries, and information studies - Employer(s): University of California, Berkeley - Field(s): Information science, computer science, library science ## Contributions Peter Lyman was a pioneer in information theory and digital libraries, focusing on how information is organized, accessed, and preserved in the digital era. As a professor at UC Berkeley, he conducted groundbreaking research on the social and cultural aspects of information technology. His work examined how digital transformation affects knowledge creation and dissemination. Lyman was particularly interested in the intersection of technology and society, studying how information systems impact communities and individuals. He published extensively on topics including digital preservation, information architecture, and the future of libraries in the digital age. His research helped shape modern understanding of information behavior and digital information management. ## FAQs ### Q: What was Peter Lyman's primary field of work? A: Peter Lyman was primarily an information theorist who worked at the intersection of computer science, library science, and information studies, focusing on digital libraries and information organization. ### Q: Where did Peter Lyman teach? A: Peter Lyman was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he conducted research and taught in the field of information studies. ### Q: What was Peter Lyman's most significant contribution? A: His most significant contribution was advancing the understanding of how information is organized and accessed in digital environments, particularly through his research on digital libraries and information behavior. ## Why They Matter Peter Lyman's work fundamentally shaped how we understand and manage information in the digital age. His research on digital libraries and information organization provided crucial frameworks for how institutions and individuals navigate the increasingly complex information landscape. By examining the social and cultural dimensions of information technology, Lyman helped bridge the gap between technical systems and human information needs. His insights continue to influence how libraries, archives, and information systems are designed and implemented today. Without his contributions, our understanding of digital information management would be significantly less developed, potentially hampering the effective organization and preservation of digital knowledge. ## Notable For - Professor at University of California, Berkeley - Pioneer in digital library research - Supervised doctoral student danah boyd - Published extensively on information theory and digital preservation - Researched social and cultural aspects of information technology ## Body ### Early Life and Education Peter Lyman was born on September 13, 1940, in San Francisco. He pursued higher education at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, establishing the foundation for his future work in information studies. ### Academic Career Lyman built his career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became a prominent figure in information theory and digital libraries. His academic work focused on understanding how information systems function in society and how digital transformation affects knowledge access. ### Research Focus His research encompassed several key areas: - Digital library development and implementation - Information architecture and organization - Social and cultural impacts of information technology - Digital preservation strategies - Information behavior and user studies ### Legacy Lyman's work continues to influence information science through: - His published research on digital information management - His mentorship of students, including notable doctoral student danah boyd - His contributions to understanding the relationship between technology and information access - His frameworks for digital library development and information organization ### Death and Recognition Peter Lyman passed away on July 2, 2007, in Berkeley from brain cancer. His contributions to information theory and digital libraries continue to be recognized in academic circles, with his work remaining relevant to current discussions about information access and digital preservation. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-lyman7jul07,1,212908.story?track=rss)