Discussion of scientific information focuses on the effects of two behavioral principles, the holography principle and the maximum speed principle. The system of scientific communication is described, properties of scientific information are suggested, information barriers are considered, and the relationship of behavioral principles and science…

Delineates various levels of theory with implications for research in library and information science. Based upon a review of literature on theory building and research methods in the social sciences, a model is proposed which displays a taxonomy of theory in hierarchical form. (EM)

Examines 855 documents relevant to library and information science (LIS) and categorizes them according to whether they were written by persons inside or outside LIS and whether they were published inside or outside the LIS literature. Author affiliation, document type, audience, and subject content are covered. (50 references) (KRN)

An analysis of the Journal of the American Society for Information Science (1970-84) examined (1) the nature of information science; (2) the relationship between information and library science; (3) whether information science is a new branch of science; (4) the relationship between information science and scientific information; and (5) whether a…

Presents conceptual framework for library and information science research and analyzes research methodology that has application for information science, using as example results of study conducted by authors. Rationale for use of qualitative research methods in theory building is discussed and qualitative and quantitative research methods are…

A study surveying researchers about the attributes, function, and form of research study problem statements shows disagreement regarding purpose, content, and form. It is suggested that problem statements are essential for well-focused, manageable studies and must present a study's significance and contribution to knowledge. (21 references) (EA)

Examines the literature on the myth of "hard science-soft science" as a means of defining scientific specialties and classifying science literature, and discusses some shortcomings of scholarship in library and information science. Use of Toulmin's categorization of sciences to organize the literature and provide access for scientists is…

Describes discourse analysis as practiced by Michel Foucault and his followers as a research method in library and information science. The method is introduced, some examples of its use are suggested, and several research questions are posed. The method permits analysis of the ways information, its uses, and its users are discursively…

Reviews the use of artificial intelligence research techniques to create tools that can assist with ongoing library functions and with information skills both within and outside of the library setting. Major areas discussed include cataloging, indexing, database searching, reference services, knowledge acquisition and representation, user…

Describes a citation analysis of public library journal articles which shows that the public library literature functions as an interactive communication system between public librarians and library and information science educators. Prior research on communication in public librarianship, the role of journals, authorship, and citation patterns is…

Reviews the literature on qualitative methods in information retrieval research. Qualitative research is shown to be noncontrolling, holistic and case oriented, about processes, open and flexible, diverse in methods, humanistic, inductive, and scientific. Relevance to library and information science and sources of information on qualitative…

This literature review examines multiple authorship relating to research on scholarly publishing within library and information science. Highlights include the history and function of collaboration; citation analysis; and the concept of authorship, including ethics of collaboration, productivity, and measures of collaboration. An appendix lists…

Reviews the research and commentary on individuals' questions and specific reference queries that characterize two general approaches in librarianship and other disciplines: question itself as phenomenon of questioner's behavior, linguistic performance, or cognitive state; interaction between question and answer focusing on appropriateness of…

Describes British Library's work on Systems Dynamics, a set of techniques for building simulation models based on analysis of information feedback loops. Highlights include macro-simulation modelling activities of social science disciplines, systems analyses and models of information retrieval processes and library services, policy models, and…