Information science: communication chain and domain analysis

• Published in: Journal of documentation Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 578 - 591
• Main Author: Robinson, Lyn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 24.07.2009; Emerald
• Subjects: Cognitive Psychology; Computer science; Computers; Conferences; Content analysis; Curriculum development; Documentation; Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information and document structure and analysis; Information processing and retrieval; Information science; Information Science Education; Information science. Documentation; Information Scientists; Information Theory; Interdisciplinary subjects; Knowledge management; Knowledge mapping; Knowledge processes; Libraries; Library and information science; Qualifications; Research methodology; Science; Science Curriculum; Sciences and techniques of general use; Scientific and Technical Information; Scientific and technological watch. Knowledge management; Scientists; Studies; Subject analysis; Traditions; Information science; Knowledge mapping; Knowledge processes; Curriculum development; Information mapping; Information management
• ISSN: 0022-0418; 1758-7379
• DOI: 10.1108/00220410910970267

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to derive a conceptual model for information science, which is both academically sound and practically useful, particularly for curriculum design.Design methodology approach - The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis, based on an extensive literature review, going back to the earliest days of information science.Findings - A conceptual model is derived, based on the study of components of the information chain through approaches of domain analysis, plus "fringe" topics and a meta-level consideration of the discipline itself. Links to related subjects may be derived systematically from this model.Originality value - This is the first paper to suggest that a useful model for information science can be derived, based on the idea of studying the communication chain by means of domain analysis.