Introduction to Information Science

Citation

Papík, R. (2013), "Introduction to Information Science", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 69 No. 3, pp. 474-476. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-04-2013-0049

There is nothing so practical as a good theory (Kurt Lewin).

This book, Introduction to Information Science, written by David Bawden, Professor of Information Science at City University London, and Lyn Robinson, Programme Director for Library and Information Science at the same university, is a worthwhile and interesting addition to the small collection of essential books on information science, both in its historical and its modern society context.

Key topics such including foundations, concepts, theories and historical perspectives of information science, and the story of documents, as well as the organisation and retrieval information, are introduced in 15 substantial chapters. The topics of this book on information science also go boldly into bordering disciplines, such as computer science and philosophical perspectives. The authors have also logically included a chapter with an interpretation of physical, biological and social information, and transition to mathematical theories of information. For example, a professor of philosophy Luciano Floridi, of Italian origin, cited in the book, is a representative of this sphere and has published widely on the topics of philosophy of information, computing and information technology, and also information ethics.

The basic concepts dealt with are information and knowledge, documents and collections, relevance, use of information, and users. There is a logical progression to information technologies that have influenced a lot of information science in many practical aspects, such as creation, dissemination and retrieval of information.

Further chapters discuss theoretical and practical topic, including: information, digital or media literacies; information behaviour principles; digital libraries; information management and knowledge management; bibliometrics and informetrics; and metadata. A very interesting chapter is that on communicating information in changing contexts. Essential parts are devoted to the core paradigms of information society, to the role and importance of publishing, as well as to e‐science and digitized/digital humanities; subjects of interest to social science, or philosophy, and to opportunities for, and paradigms of, information science.

The authors asked questions, and their answers outlined concepts of information, knowledge, documents, collections, and users. Significant parts are dedicated to research methods in information science, including information research ethics. The final chapter outlines the future development of information science in a context of drivers for changes, the information profession, and its mission and information research agenda. It is really hard to predict the future of information science, located in the middle of the turbulent world of computers and related technologies, but also affected by new social and economic changes.

Many graphical elements such as tables, charts, pictures, and even photographs throughout the entire book are much appreciated and increase its readability, legibility, and clarity. These are also very didactic and educational, together with references and literature relevant for each chapter that inspire further study of each particular area. At the end of the book, the authors list further key and overview books on information science, as well as journals and key databases for information and library science.

This textbook presents a holistic view of information science in a context of modern technological impacts and global aspects of the changing information society. Therefore the whole work is intended not only for students and teachers of information science as a comprehensive study text, but it is also very instructive for professionals in information and knowledge management, librarianship; also for experts in the field of archives and museums, experts in the publishing industry, or professionals in information systems, especially those engaged with areas of scientific information and communication. In many ways, it is friendly and understandable for other readers who are interested in the information world, information society and information science.

Both authors are long‐time professionals and are well‐known also from speaking activities, lectures, training and workshops around the world in information and library communities, and in the academic environment. Therefore the textbook is not only theoretical, but contains also many practical aspects of information science, and addresses many questions of professionals in practice. Particularly appreciated, in this respect, is the readability and legibility of the book, as well as its efficient graphical design.

A conclusion? This beautiful book can go into the world and explain the best principles and roles of information science.