Document Type
Article
Subject Area(s)
Library science -- Social aspects
Abstract
There are disparate notions among people within the broad field of information and library science regarding exactly what comprises information science. One broad definition is provided by Tefko Saracevic: “Information science is a field of professional practice and scientific inquiry addressing the problem of effective communication of knowledge records – ʻliteratureʼ – among humans in the context of social, organizational, and individual need for and use of information” (1055- 1056). At its most basic, it seems that information science could be a neutral science if, indeed, it studies everything that is communicated, in any form. However, as noted in the above definition, the actual professional practice of information science involves placing value on the tools used for communication, thereby adding a burden of subjective interpretation.
Publication Info
Published in Progressive Librarian, Issue 34/35, Fall 2010, pages 25-38.
"Critical Theory, Libraries and Culture" written by Jenny Bossaller, Denice Adkins and Kim M. Thompson is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Bossaler, J., Adkins, D., & Thompson, K. M. (2010). Critical Theory, Libraries and Culture. Progressive Librarian, (34/35), 25-38. Retrieved from http://www.progressivelibrariansguild.org/PL/PL34_35/025.pdf