The Implicit versus the Explicit

     Weinberger discusses context as both explicit and implicit but I find a lot of gray area between the two.  I understand implicit as being implied and not expressed in a plain matter while explicit is the complete opposite and is stated clearly and understandably.  The examples he provided made a lot of sense especially when he was referring to traffic signs; however, the example regarding the Planet of the Apes DVD set was not only a realization of how implicit something may be but it also shed light on what someone may find wholeheartedly explicit may be considered implicit to another.  One example of an implicit contextual message found in libraries to the stereotypical nationwide assumption to “Shhh! Be quiet.”  While it might not be expressed physically on a sign, it is assumed that patrons know to be quiet and courteous to fellow patrons within the library.  This example is implicit because while it may not be in plain sight, it is implied that when you walk into a library one should keep their volume to a bare minimum.  Another example of an implicit contextual message found in libraries is the “Drop Box” where it is implied that you place your returned books.  Although it states it is a “Drop Box” some people are not sure what a drop box is for because it does not say “Drop Box for Returned Books and Materials”.  Sadly yet still comical, I had a friend working at our local Cleveland Public Library who was in charge of shelving returned books and was completely caught off guard that someone had put their stamped mail within the library’s drop box.  I have to laugh because most patrons understand that the “Drop Box” is for books and not for sending mail; however, this is the perfect example as to why it is considered implied because it does not express in full detail that it is for checked out materials from the library.
     An example of explicit contextual message found in libraries is the sign directly over the front desk clearly stating “Check Out Books”.  I think that this is different than the drop box because going to a library you know that you must check out your books.  The sign is usually in bold, easily seen, and directs the patron exactly to where they must go to check out their books.  One other example I have personally came across regarding an explicit message is on the ninth floor on Kent’s Main Library.  There is a library cart with a sign on it that tells patrons to place their books on the cart so that the library staff may shelve it themselves opposed to the students.  Usually, there are books already on the cart which may make the student look at the cart more carefully where they will see the sign indicating what it is there for.  There is a blog written by Bonnie Swoger where she actually discusses how to make the implicit more explicit in science education and information literacy.  Her blog can be found at: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/information-culture/2012/11/29/making-implicit-knowledge-and-skills-more-explicit-in-science-education/.  I have now found myself debating what is implicit versus what is explicit.  Weinberger’s examples of both the implicit and explicit could possibly be argued on both sides as can the examples I have provided.