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Turning weakness into strength: strategies for future LIS

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Author

Summary, in English

Purpose – LIS has been described as a fragmented field in crisis, with an increased competition from other fields; and lacking in development of theories. The purpose of this paper is to articulate a strategy in which the perceived weakness can be seen as a source of strength.

Design/methodology/approach – The text builds mostly on reflections on meta-theoretical and science-organisation literature. Ten distinct problems for the research field are identified and discussed in order to provide a viable strategy for the future.

Findings – While it is common to suggest a convergent movement toward the idealised characteristics of the strong research discipline as a recipe against fragmentation, a strong convergent movement is suggested that feeds off the fragmented character of the field. What is commonly perceived as a weakness, the multidimensional character of the field, can be translated into a strategic resource.

Originality/value – The paper provides a fresh perspective on the strategic situation of LIS.

Publishing year

2010

Language

English

Pages

7-27

Publication/Series

Journal of Documentation

Volume

66

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Topic

  • Information Studies

Keywords

  • Information science
  • Uncertainty management
  • Research work

Status

Published

Research group

  • Information Studies

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0022-0418