Reviews the literature of the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and describes its relevance to Information Studies (IS). Workplace studies, key themes, the use of STS in IS research, and implications of STS for IS are also covered. (Contains 194 references.) (MES)

Presents a critique of recent theoretical developments in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) together with an overview of HCI practice. This chapter discusses why theoretically based approaches have had little impact on the practice of interaction design and suggests mechanisms to enable designers and researchers to better articulate…

Presents an overview of machine learning research and reviews methods used for evaluating machine learning systems. Ways that machine-learning algorithms were used in traditional information retrieval systems in the "pre-Web" era are described, and the field of Web mining and how machine learning has been used in different Web mining…

Evaluates the gap between traditional library and information studies (LIS) skills and the evolving needs of the information technology workplace. Discusses whether graduates with LIS training are perceived as having the requisite skills and personalities to perform as knowledge managers and information managers in the private sector based on…

Describes an investigation that was conducted to show the feasibility of spectral methods in information science, particularly for analyzing academic library circulation data. Signal analysis methods were used to detect periodicity, and spectral methods show promise for analyzing time series and other signals in information science. (Author/LRW)

This ethnographic, baseline study explores elements of expertise that academic employee library trainers should have, including knowing how to learn about technology; how to understand information science; how to learn about trainees and develop effective training approaches; and how to negotiate organizational constraints. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the definition of a profession focuses on the definition of information professionals. Seven illustrative information careers are described, the importance of judgment in information professions is emphasized, ethics are considered, and implications for the education of an information professional are suggested. (three references)…

Reviews the use of propositional analysis in library and information science research. Evidence that different analysts produce similar judgments about texts and use the method consistently over time is presented, and it is concluded that propositional analysis is a reliable and valid research method. An example of an analysis is appended. (32…

Presents a method for measuring the quality of controlled vocabularies that involves identifying clusters of documents, searching for each document, identifying terms used to index each document, and calculating certain measures to determine indexing quality. The results of a comparison of three library and information science databases using this…

Discussion of copyright issues involving computer software focuses on faculty examination of software for evaluation purposes. Two model examination copy licenses are proposed: one a circulating evaluation copy, for libraries and other centers where individual evaluators are not involved in copying; and one a distributable evaluation copy. (five…

Surveys studies on bibliometrics and related subjects in Japan, classifying them into studies on bibliometrics and applications of bibliometrics. Examines applications of fuzzy set theory to document retrieval using bibliometric techniques. Emphasizes the models and methods used in common between bibliometrics and other fields of science. (SR)

Explores issues regarding the appropriate role for library/information science faculty in the American Library Association. The discussion covers the nature of the academic enterprise and the role of professional schools within it, and the nature of librarianship and the role of the American Library Association within it. (three references)…

Investigates the relationships between the parameters of the Simon-Yule model and the shapes of three bibliometric distributions: Lotka's Law of Scientific Productivity; Bradford's Law of Bibliometric Scattering; and Zipf's Law of Word Frequency. The results indicate that the probability of a new entry determines the characteristics of all three…

Discusses the implications of factors inhibiting the advancement of research in library and information science in Nigeria, such as poor dissemination of research findings, noncollaborative research with those in other fields, academic and professional ineptitude, inadequate funding, societal indifference to research, and inefficient use of…

Examines the origins and parallel uses of the concept of "facet" in bibliographic classification theory and behavioral research. Suggests that social sciences in general were receptive to conceptual borrowing, but that library and information science as a discipline was relatively isolated. (contains 108 references) (Author/AEF)