LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE VIS-À-VIS WEB SCIENCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE OECD FIELDS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

Aims: The paper focuses on the methodological frames of Library and Information Sciences vis-à-vis Web Science in the light of the OECD Fields of Science and Technology Classification. The roots of Library Science and Information Science in Humanities and Social Sciences are described. The technological revolution which took place during and after World War II enabled the development of a new mathematics- and engineering-oriented environment for information. On this basis such new research areas like Web Science emerged. It led to a change towards an interdisciplinary character of Information Science. Method: The OECD Fields of Science and Technology Classification was analysed from the point of view of the Library and Information Science’s place in this classification.Solutions: In the OECD Fields of Science and Technology Classification Library Science has its independent place within Social Sciences while Information Science is dispersed between three main sections. It confirms the interdisciplinary character of Information Science and sets up its name as a superior covering traditional Information Science and all of new mathematics- and engineering- based research areas dealing with information. Although the name Web Science is not mentioned in this classification, we can assume that it is a sub-discipline of Information Science in the light of the OECD classification. Polish implications are mentioned.