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The importance of theories of knowledge: Indexing and information retrieval as an example

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  • Birger Hjørland

Abstract

A recent study in information science (IS), Lykke and Eslau (2010; hereafter L&E), raises important issues concerning the value of human indexing and basic theories of indexing and information retrieval, as well as the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in IS and the underlying theories of knowledge informing the field. The present article uses L&E as the point of departure for demonstrating in what way more social and interpretative understandings may provide fruitful improvements for research in indexing, knowledge organization, and information retrieval. The artcle is motivated by the observation that philosophical contributions tend to be ignored in IS if they are not directly formed as criticisms or invitations to dialogs. It is part of the author's ongoing publication of articles about philosophical issues in IS and it is intended to be followed by analyzes of other examples of contributions to core issues in IS. Although it is formulated as a criticism of a specific paper, it should be seen as part of a general discussion of the philosophical foundation of IS and as a support to the emerging social paradigm in this field.

Suggested Citation

  • Birger Hjørland, 2011. "The importance of theories of knowledge: Indexing and information retrieval as an example," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 62(1), pages 72-77, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamist:v:62:y:2011:i:1:p:72-77
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.21451
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