Making Information

Every conception of information has its epistemological assumptions and entails a different approach in how we understand information, information science, and society. This volume examines information as a product of human action and public discourse. It begins with a clarification of the epistemological assumptions of major conceptions of information in information science, followed by an analysis of the socio-technical nature of information and information infrastructures. In particular, how they are socially constructed and how the production and use of information are systematized through the application of standards, best practices, metadata and codes. A communicative-pragmatic conception of information is proposed for understanding the roles of information professionals and information science as a discipline. Vitally, such a conception emphasizes the importance of epistemology, ethics, and social responsibility in the study of information and information-related phenomena, as well as the construction of information infrastructures and the education of information professionals.