Informatics and data science: an overview for the information professional
| Published date | 08 February 2016 |
| Date | 08 February 2016 |
| Pages | 7-10 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-10-2015-0022 |
| Author | H Frank Cervone |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
TOPICS IN INFORMATICS AND DATA
SCIENCE FOR INFORMATION
PROFESSIONALS
Informatics and data science:
an overview for the information
professional
H. Frank Cervone
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to describe the emerging eld of data science, its signicance in the larger
information landscape and some issues that distinguish the problems of data science and informatics
from traditional approaches in the information sciences.
Design/methodology/approach – Through a general overview of the topic, the author discusses
some of the major aspects of how work in the data sciences and informatics differ from traditional
library and information science.
Findings – Data science and informatics, as emerging elds, are expanding our understanding of how
the massive amount of information currently being generated can be collected, managed and used.
While these may not be traditional “library” problems, the contributions of the library and information
science communities are critical to help address aspects of these issues.
Originality/value – The emerging elds of data science and informatics have not been extensively
explored from the perspective of the information professional. This paper is designed to help
information professionals better understand some of the implications of data science in a changing
information environment.
Keywords Informatics, Information studies, Data science, Information science, Information work,
Unstructured data
Paper type General review
Introduction
Over the course of time every eld evolves. Evolution of a eld often occurs because of
the changing needs and requirements of society as a whole. Changes in one discipline
may not necessarily affect other elds directly; however, these new developments in
other areas frequently have a ripple effect far beyond their original scope. Additionally,
new discoveries often lead to increasing specialization within elds as a result of a much
larger knowledge base. For example, original there was no specialization in medicine;
everyone was a general practitioner. However, specialization within medicine developed
as a consequence of the increasing amount of knowledge discovered and the resulting
desire to be able to study cases in greater depth to further develop better medical
knowledge (Weisz, 2003).
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2059-5816.htm
Informatics
and data
science
7
Received 10 October 2015
Revised 10 October 2015
Accepted 12 October 2015
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 1, 2016
pp.7-10
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-10-2015-0022
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