Perspectives in Information Science

What is Information Science? What does a person do as an Information Scientist? The yearning for replies to these queries so far is unabated. Meanwhile those who have dedicated their interest to information ponder the possible answers and issues. It is not surprising to realize that man has always been interested in information - in producing it, in using it, in preserving it. But the past two or three decades have added new dimensions and new emphases in information studies. With the increase in the production and availability of knowledge, the need to understand more fully how to use it effectively has gathered greater momentum. During the same period the nature and incidence of crisis situ­ ations - whether public or private - has demanded greater depend­ ence on timely delivery of data to make decisions and undertake action. Moreover, there has been a harvest of vast and significant technological developments to accompany these changes in social and individual states. Information has gathered and continues to gather growing importance in the lives of individuals as well as nations.

Opening Remarks.- Anthony Debons.- Dafydd E. Morgan.- Tilo Kester.- Herbert S. White.- Tutorials.- Group 1: Nature of Information.- Group 2: Information Technology and Human Needs.- Group 3: Social Impacts of Information.- Group 4: Professional Aspects.- 1: Nature and Function of Information.- Editorial Summary.- Information: One Label, Several Bottles.- Human Dimensions of Information Need.- Information and Metaenergy.- An Opinion on an Understanding of Information System Dynamics.- Information and Decision.- Informational Relativity.- Information and Communication: A Conceptual Model as Framework for Development of Theories of Information.- Information Representation and Decision Making.- 2: Nature of a Science of Information.- Editorial Summary.- Psychological and Technological Dynamics of Information Science.- Toward a Holistic Concept of Knowledge.- A Note on Paradigms in Information Science.- Information Theory and Human Experience.- The Scientific Study of Information — Its Nature and Impact.- 3: Information Systems: Nature, Design, and Use.- Editorial Summary.- From Apollo to Information Science: Information as Organization Theory, Organization Theory as Information — A Whole Systems Critique.- Epistemic Styles, Individuality, and World-View.- The Impact of the Essentially Pragmatic Character of Natural Languages on Linguistic Information Processing.- A Pattern Processing Model of the Human Visual System.- Information and Some Dynamics.- An Approach to Information as a Utility.- Worldwide Networks for Information, Communications and Computers.- Criteria for a Viable Information Retrieval System — Adaptability.- The Measure of a Successful Information Storage and Retrieval System.- Information Processing and Distribution Under (Near) MonopolisticConditions.- 4: Use of Information.- Editorial Summary.- Information Needs and Application of the Results of User Studies.- Statistical Bibliography and Information Science.- Mapping the Scientific Literature.- The Dynamic Scientific-Information User.- Decision Aids and Protocol Analysis in Human Problem Solving.- Real-World Problem Solving With and Without Computers.- Computer-Based Communications Media and Citizen Participation.- 5: Information Technology and Its Impact on Man and Society.- Editorial Summary.- Information and the Quality of Life.- Information-Transfer in the Evolution of Underdeveloped People.- Information Transfer Through Human Social-Political Life (History).- Information and Social Control Systems.- Information Technology and Democratic Governance.- Assessing the Impact of Information Systems on Users.- Some (More or Less) Philosophical Thoughts on Information and Society.- 6: Professional Aspects of Information Science.- Editorial Summary.- Research in Information Science: An Assessment.- Professional Aspects in Education.- A Pragmatic Approach to the Education and Training of Information Professionals.- Working Group Reports.- Group 1: The Nature of Information.- Group 2: Information Technology and Human Needs.- Group 3: Impact of Information on Society.- Group 4: Professional Aspects of Information Science.- Conclusions.- Summary.- Afterthought.