How to do Information Studies

How to do Information Studies takes an innovative approach in mapping the terrain of information studies and guides the reader through the various aspects of the process of knowledge production in IS. The book is theoretical in the sense that its subject matter includes theory construction: but its goal is an entirely practical one - to give readers a sense of the breadth and depth of information studies by presenting, and assessing the utility of, multiple ways of doing it. The book is divided into four parts, each chapter of which covers a discrete set of scholarly practices. Part I: Inquiring focuses on fundamental epistemic and interrogative practices, and provides guidance in the craft of critical reading of the information studies literature, as a means both of acquiring knowledge and of formulating research questions. Part II: Interpreting considers the roles in knowledge production of empirical observation and rational argument, before treating separately practices of representation, classification, quantification, explanation, and interpretation in information studies. Part III: Intervening shows how the results of these interpretative activities may be applied in the design and evaluation of services, systems, policies, and morals. Part IV: Informing focuses on the craft of scholarly writing in information studies, with special emphasis on the genre of the journal article.