Perspectives in Information Science (Nato Science Series E:)

What is Information Science? What does a person do as an Information Scientist? The yearning for replies to these queries so far is unabated. Meanwhile those who have dedicated their interest to information ponder the possible answers and issues. It is not surprising to realize that man has always been interested in information - in producing it, in using it, in preserving it. But the past two or three decades have added new dimensions and new emphases in information studies. With the increase in the production and availability of knowledge, the need to understand more fully how to use it effectively has gathered greater momentum. During the same period the nature and incidence of crisis situ ations - whether public or private - has demanded greater depend ence on timely delivery of data to make decisions and undertake action. Moreover, there has been a harvest of vast and significant technological developments to accompany these changes in social and individual states. Information has gathered and continues to gather growing importance in the lives of individuals as well as nations.