Emerald | Journal of Documentation | Table of Contents

Information, truth and meaning: a response to Budd's prolegomena.

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Robert G Lingard) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper responds to Budd’s (2011) discussion of meaning, truth and information by exploring the ontological framework prescribed by Critical Realism. Budd’s thesis that information must be defined within the context of meaning and truth is challenged and the ontological priority of information is argued.Design/methodology/approach - Following a critique of Budd’s conclusions, a ‘regional ontology’ of information is discussed. The practical adequacy of this theory is demonstrated by applying it to information-seeking and meaning-making, as described by Dervin’s Sense-Making Methodology (SMM). Finally, a case study is provided to illustrate the re-conceptualization and implications in future research applications. Findings - (1) Information is a ‘thing’ of ontological significance and which possesses truth and meaning as properties. (2) Information may present as uninforming, incomprehensible, deceptive, nonsensical or sensical, depending on how the properties truth and meaning are expressed.Research limitations/implications - (1) The main implication arising from this paper is that a definition of information is provided which permits application to situations of conflict or dissonance concerning information use. (2) Abductive reasoning facilitates application of Sense-Making Methodology (SMM) to historically produced documents. Originality/value - The novelty of this paper lies in the analysis of information, truth and meaning according to a realist, emergentist ontology, and in the consequent application of Dervin’s SMM to documents by abductive reasoning.

A Reply to Lingard

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (John M. Budd) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide a critical reply to Robert Lingard’s close reading of a previously published paper of mine, "Meaning, Truth, and Information."Design/methodology/approach - The approach adopted in this paper is an examination of Lingard’s argument and counter-points, employing (primarily) logical and rhetorical analysis of his claims.Findings - While some of Lingard’s criticisms are legitimate and must be admitted, many have to be subjected to rebuttal on the basis of misreading, logical error, and discursive misapprehension of points made in the original article.Originality/value - Since the present paper is a reply to another author’s work, originality is constrained by the arguments and claims made by that author. That said, additional analysis is added to the matters of meaning, truth, and information in an effort to clarify and expand upon the essence of my original article.

Reflections on classification: Thomas Reid and bibliographic description

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Martin Frické) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To clarify the ontological and epistemological basis of classification.Design/methodology/approach - Attention is drawn to a 1785 article on abstraction by Thomas Reid and the contents and theories of the article are explained. The Reid article both provides a sound approach to classification and is interesting historically as it influenced the classification pioneer Charles Ammi Cutter who, in turn, is responsible for much of the modern theory of functional bibliography. Reid’s account is supplemented by brief descriptions of fallibilism and fuzziness. An associated view, Aristotelian essentialism is explained and criticized. Some observations are offered on the role of prototypes in classification and on the monothetic-polythetic distinction.Findings - Reid’s theories, suitably embedded in fallibilism and augmented with a respect for truth, provide a sound ontological and epistemological basis for classification.Originality/value - The paper provides a sound ontological and epistemological basis for classification.

Examination of Work Task and Criteria Choices for the Relevance Judgment Process

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Arthur Taylor) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To better understand the dynamic nature of the relevance judgment process and the influence of work task on that process. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical study reported here examined the information seeking behavior of a group of undergraduate college students assigned a set of research assignments (work tasks). Subjects recorded their selection of documents used for an assignment and the criteria used to judge those documents relevant. Statistical analysis was used to associate relevance judgments and the criteria used to make those judgments with work tasks.Findings - Findings indicate a strong statistical association between work task and criteria used to judge relevance. Findings also include identification of specific criteria used to judge relevance and the relative importance of those criteria based on frequency of selection of criteria for a work task. Research limitations/implications - Findings provide additional insights into the dynamic nature of the relevance judgment process. Relevance judgment influences revealed in these findings in the form of criteria used to make relevance judgments further explicate the relevance judgment process and provide suggestions for the improvement of information retrieval systems and information literacy efforts. Originality/value - Understanding the relevance judgment process is critical to understanding information behavior in general. Few studies have examined relevance criteria selections as part of the relevance judgment process and fewer still have studied these selections in relation to work tasks. A better understanding of this relationship is an essential part of understanding the dynamic nature of the relevance judgment process and its influences.

Towards a conceptual framework for provider information behaviour

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Richmond Davies, Dorothy Williams) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper provides a critical discussion of the paucity of research on information behaviour of information providers and proposes a framework for investigating the emerging area of provider information behaviour.Design/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis and literature review.Findings - A multidisciplinary framework is provided to form the basis of further exploration of provider information behaviour.Research limitations/implications - There are various types of information providers and they provide opportunities for exploring and comparing their range of information activities and developing models of provider information behaviour.Originality/value - The paper argues for a new perspective to the study of information behaviour. The paucity of research on internal users of information has not matched those on external users of information over the years. An exploration of provider information behaviour together with its internal impact can provide insights which will help organisations better understand best practice, predict effects of new behaviours during periods of change and make informed decisions. It will also aid in the development of the teaching of information and library skills.

Re-Conceiving Information Studies: A Quantum Approach

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (John M. Budd) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose: This paper intends to demonstrate that fundamental aspects of quantum theory can be applied to work in information studies (IS).Design/methodology/approach - Approach: The field of information studies is so broad and extensive that it requires similar breadth of epistemic and methodological features in order to fulfill its inherent promise as a human enterprise. Quantum theory holds promise as a way to shape questions and inquiry in Information studies (IS). Findings - Findings: The revolutionary elements of quantum theory, such as entanglement, nonlocality, etc. can be applied to information, especially language-based communication.Research limitations/implications - Research Implications: Perhaps most especially, the non- or extra-mathematical components of quantum theory offer ontological and epistemic modes of thought which apply to information. Those modes of thought are ripe with conceptual promise for examination of, for example, information as objective entity and as complex material substance. This paper explores some of the potentially promising ways to explore information as a complex phenomenon.Originality/value - Originality: While some work in IS has considered quantum phenomena, there has not been a thorough investigation of the theory’s application to inquiry in IS.

Interestingness and the essence of citation

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Yuxian Liu, Ronald Rousseau) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This article provides a new insight in the reasons why authors cite.Design/methodology/approach - The authors argue that based on philosophical ideas about the essence of things pure rational thinking about the role of citations leads to the answer.Findings - Citations originate from the interestingness of the investigated phenomenon. The essence of citation lies in the interaction between different ideas or perspectives on a phenomenon addressed in the citing as well as in the cited articles.Research limitations/implications - Our findings only apply to ethical (not whimsical or self-serving) citations. Practical implications - As such citations reflect interactions of scientific ideas, they can reveal the evolution of science, revive the cognitive process of an investigated scientific phenomenon Originality/value - This article is the first to propose interestingness and the interaction of ideas as the basic reason for citing. This view on citations allows reverse engineering from citations to ideas and hence becomes useful for science policy.