Allen Kent was a pioneer in many aspects of library and information science (LIS), and yet, as this author reads Kent's 1977 article, there is not much in it that has become ancient, irrelevant history. The questions he discusses are still alive in the discipline in 2014, whether it is called LIS (library and information science), information…

Background: Many definitions of information, knowledge, and data have been suggested throughout the history of information science. In this article, the objective is to provide definitions that are usable for the physical, biological, and social meanings of the terms, covering the various senses important to our field. Argument: Information 1 is…

An analysis of publication types and the use of citations in studies of library and information science (LIS) program quality suggests that publication types should be differentiated, that book publication is important, and that the role of humanities-oriented faculty may be lost without attention to book production. Presents a formula for LIS…

This selective review covers user studies done from the standpoints of both the library and the user. Use of catalogs, reference services, circulation, browsing and library facilities are included as are information-gathering habits of scientists and the general public. Studies of whole information systems and the methodology and philosophy of…

Provides selected article titles and descriptive material drawn from the pages of the "Journal of the American Society for Information Science (JASIS)" and its precursor title, "American Documentation," dating from the beginning of the journal in January 1950 until the spring of 1999. Descriptions are arranged by subject and…

Offers advice to librarians considering doctoral study in library and information science. Highlights include the difference between academic and professional degrees and how to select a school, choose a specialty, and evaluate the quality of a program. (EM)

Articulates key elements in the "invisible substrate" of information science. Emphasizes information science's role as a meta-science--conducting research and developing theory around documentary products of other disciplines and activities. Suggests that mental activities of information science center around "representation" and "organization" of…