Super-science, fundamental dimension, way of being: Library and information science in an age of messages

Abstract

This paper examines some conceptual issues for library and information science (LIS), with a focus on how they have been treated in the scholarship of Rafael Capurro, based on a selective literature analysis. Three topics are examined. First, the concept of information is considered, with particular reference on the value of theoretical approaches for LIS, and with emphasis on a comparison of Capurro’s approach with those of Popper and of Floridi. Second, the nature of the information-centric disciplines is considered, with particular reference to Capurro’s conception of a conjoined LIS discipline, rooted in the humanities. Third, Capurro’s ideas of digital ontology and digital hermeneutics are outlined, with emphasis on their value in providing a theoretical background for studying the new generation of immersive multisensory documents. It is concluded that the kind of rigorous study of foundational issues which characterises Capurro’s work will be of even greater importance for the LIS discipline in the future.