Theories & Practice of Information Science

Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth

TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO FOUNDATIONS OF INFORMATION SCIENCE
Foundations of Information Science is a multidisciplinary ield that explores the
theoretical and practical aspects of information and its role in various domains such
as technology, communication, social sciences, and more. It encompasses the study of
how information is created, organized, stored, retrieved, processed, and
disseminated, as well as its impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a
whole.
Key de inition of terms:
1. Information: Information is data that has been processed, organized, or
structured in a meaningful way to convey a message or support decision-
making. It can exist in various forms, including text, images, audio, and video.
2. Data: Data refers to raw facts or observations that have not been processed or
organized. It is the foundation upon which information is built.
3. Information Systems: Information systems are frameworks or platforms
designed to collect, store, process, and disseminate information. These systems
can range from simple paper-based iling systems to complex computer-based
networks.
4. Information Retrieval: Information retrieval is the process of accessing
relevant information from a large pool of data or documents. This process often
involves techniques such as indexing, searching, and ranking to ef iciently
retrieve desired information.
5. Information Organization: Information organization involves structuring
and categorizing information to make it easier to navigate, search, and
understand. This can include methods such as classi ication, categorization,
and metadata tagging.
6. Information Behavior: Information behavior refers to how individuals seek,
use, and interact with information. It encompasses factors such as information
needs, seeking strategies, and the impact of information on decision-making
and behavior.
7. Information Ethics and Policy: Information science also addresses ethical
considerations surrounding information access, privacy, security, and
intellectual property rights. It also examines the development of policies and
regulations to govern the use and dissemination of information.
 Theories & Practice of Information Science
Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth
8. Information Technology: Information technology plays a crucial role in
information science, providing the tools and infrastructure needed to create,
store, process, and transmit information. This includes hardware such as
computers and networks, as well as software for information management and
analysis.
Foundations of Information Science draws upon principles and methodologies from
various disciplines, including computer science, library and information science,
communication studies, cognitive science, and sociology. By studying these
foundations, researchers and practitioners seek to understand the nature of
information, its behavior, and its societal implications, ultimately contributing to the
development of effective information systems and policies.

LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Libraries and Information Science (LIS) is a ield that encompasses the study of
information, its creation, organization, storage, retrieval, and dissemination, with a
particular focus on libraries and other information organizations. It involves the
management of information resources, services, and technologies to meet the needs
of individuals, organizations, and society.
Components of libraries and information science include:
1. Information Organization and Management: This involves the organization
and management of information resources within libraries and other
information organizations. It includes cataloging, classi ication, indexing, and
metadata creation to facilitate ef icient access and retrieval of information.
2. Information Retrieval and Access: Information retrieval focuses on the
methods and techniques used to search for and retrieve information from
various sources, including library catalogs, databases, and the internet.
Providing access to information is a core function of libraries and information
organizations.
3. Information Services and Reference: Libraries provide a range of
information services to assist users in inding and using information effectively.
This includes reference services, where librarians help users identify relevant
resources and answer their information inquiries.
4. Collection Development and Management: Collection development involves
the selection, acquisition, and management of information resources to
 Theories & Practice of Information Science
Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth
support the needs of library users. Librarians assess user needs, evaluate
resources, and make decisions about which materials to acquire and retain in
the collection.
5. Information Literacy: Information literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate,
and use information effectively and ethically. Libraries play a crucial role in
promoting information literacy through instruction and outreach programs
aimed at teaching users how to navigate information resources and critically
evaluate information.
6. Digital Libraries and Information Technologies: Digital libraries utilize
digital technologies to provide access to digital collections of information
resources. This includes digitized materials, electronic databases, e-books, and
online journals. Librarians manage digital collections and develop strategies
for preserving and providing access to digital content.
7. Library Management and Administration: Library management involves the
administration and leadership of library operations and services. This includes
budgeting, staf ing, strategic planning, and policy development to ensure
effective library services and operations.
8. Information Policy and Ethics: Libraries are guided by policies and ethical
principles that govern access to information, privacy, intellectual freedom, and
copyright. Librarians advocate for intellectual freedom and access to
information for all individuals, while also respecting ethical and legal
considerations.
Libraries and information science professionals work in a variety of settings,
including public libraries, academic libraries, special libraries, archives, museums,
and information centers. They play a crucial role in connecting individuals and
communities with information resources and promoting lifelong learning and
information literacy.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFORMATION SCIENCE &L IBRARY SCIENCE
Information Science and Library Science are related ields that share some common
elements but also have distinct focuses and areas of emphasis.
Information Science:
1. Scope: Information Science is a broader ield that encompasses the study of
information in all its forms, including its creation, organization, storage,
retrieval, and dissemination. It examines the principles, processes, and
 Theories & Practice of Information Science
Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth
technologies involved in managing information across various domains such as
technology, business, healthcare, education, and more.
2. Focus: Information Science focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of
information, including information behavior, information systems, information
retrieval, information management, and the impact of information on
individuals, organizations, and society. It addresses the interdisciplinary
nature of information and its applications in different contexts.
3. Interdisciplinary Nature: Information Science draws upon principles and
methodologies from various disciplines such as computer science, library
science, cognitive science, communication studies, and sociology. It integrates
insights from these disciplines to understand the nature of information and
develop effective strategies for managing and utilizing it.
Library Science:
1. Scope: Library Science is a specialized ield within Information Science that
speci ically focuses on the management of libraries and other information
organizations. It involves the study of library operations, services, collections,
and user needs within the context of libraries and information centers.
2. Focus: Library Science emphasizes the principles and practices of
librarianship, including collection development, cataloging, classi ication,
reference services, information literacy instruction, and library management.
It addresses the unique challenges and requirements of libraries in providing
access to information resources and services to users.
3. Tradition: Library Science has a long tradition dating back to the
establishment of libraries as institutions for collecting, organizing, and
preserving knowledge. While it has evolved over time to incorporate digital
technologies and new modes of information access, it retains a focus on the
principles of librarianship and the role of libraries in promoting access to
information and supporting lifelong learning.
In summary, while Information Science and Library Science share common interests
in the study and management of information, Information Science has a broader
scope and interdisciplinary focus, encompassing the study of information across
various domains. Library Science, on the other hand, is a specialized ield within
Information Science that speci ically focuses on the principles and practices of
librarianship within the context of libraries and information organizations.
 Theories & Practice of Information Science
Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INFORMATION SCIENCE
The political economy of information science refers to the study of the intersection
between information science, technology, and the socio-political and economic factors
that in luence the production, distribution, and consumption of information. This
ield examines how power dynamics, economic structures, government policies, and
societal values shape the creation, dissemination, and access to information in various
contexts.
Drivers’ political economy of information science include:
1. Power and Control: This aspect focuses on how power structures in luence
the production, dissemination, and control of information. It explores issues
such as media ownership, censorship, surveillance, and the concentration of
information control in the hands of a few powerful entities.
2. Economic Forces: Economic factors play a signi icant role in shaping the
information landscape. This includes analyzing the impact of market forces,
capitalism, globalization, and neoliberal policies on information production,
distribution, and access. It also involves examining the role of commercial
interests in shaping the information environment, such as advertising-driven
media models and the commodi ication of information.
3. Digital Divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have
access to digital technologies and information resources and those who do not.
The political economy of information science examines the socio-economic and
political factors that contribute to this divide, such as income inequality,
geographical location, government policies, and infrastructure development.
4. Information Policy: Information policies, regulations, and laws play a crucial
role in shaping the information environment. This includes analyzing
government policies related to intellectual property rights, privacy, freedom of
expression, net neutrality, and access to information. The political economy of
information science examines how these policies are in luenced by various
stakeholders and their impact on information access and control.
5. Social Justice and Equity: This aspect focuses on how information inequalities
intersect with broader social justice issues. It examines the role of information
science in addressing social inequalities, promoting equitable access to
information, and empowering marginalized communities through information
literacy, digital inclusion, and community-based information initiatives.
 Theories & Practice of Information Science
Class Note by: Amwayi Ruth
6. Globalization and Cultural Hegemony: Globalization has transformed the
information landscape by facilitating the low of information across borders.
The political economy of information science analyzes how globalization
processes, cultural imperialism, and hegemonic power structures shape the
global information low, media representation, and cultural diversity.
7. Resistance and Alternative Media: This aspect focuses on grassroots
movements, alternative media outlets, and resistance efforts that challenge
dominant power structures and narratives in the information landscape. It
examines how alternative forms of information production, distribution, and
consumption can promote social change, counter hegemonic discourses, and
amplify marginalized voices.
Overall, the political economy of information science provides a critical lens for
understanding the complex interplay between information, power, economics, and
society. It seeks to uncover the underlying structures and dynamics that shape the
information environment and in luence the ways in which information is produced,
disseminated, and accessed.