Deduces the fundamental phenomena of information science, starting from two premises: that information science is a problem-oriented discipline concerned with the effective transfer of desired information from human generator to human user, and that the single notion common to all concepts of information now extant is that of change of structure.…

Goffman's epidemic theory is presented and compared to the contagion theory developed by Menzel. An attempt is made to compare the two models presented and examine their similarities and differences. The conclusion drawn is that the two models are very similar in their approach to understanding communication processes. (14 references) (Author/SJ)

The concept of information is examined within the framework of the Mathematical Theory of Communication and semiotics, the study of signs and sign systems. The implications of these theories for the better understanding of information as we deal with this concept in the context of information systems are discussed. (8 references) (Author)

Described are three methods used by engineers and scientists to enrich their understanding of a technical subject prior to an interpersonal communication: Piggybacking, friendly consultation and/or professional peripheration. (17 references) (Author/SJ)

Using sociometric techniques and ratings of professional status as a researcher, a highly elite invisible college was identified. The study was performed in the context of high energy physics. (Author/JB)

Examines the quantity and citation rates of Canadian scientific journals. (PF)

A rationale for constructing a metalanguage to analyze natural language texts is provided in the context of a long-range program of research, and illustrated by reference to an existing Computer-Assisted Language Analysis System (CALAS). (JB)

Using sociometric techniques, an informal communication network is identified which includes 73 percent of the scientists. Information transferred to these scientists is so situated that it could be transmitted to 95 percent of the network scientists through one intermediary scientist or less. (23 references) (Author)

A re-examination of data used in a study of informal communication among sleep researchers raises some interesting questions in the definition of communication and its relationship to research productivity. (JB)

A mathematical definition of an information network is constructed with the purpose of developing a theory useful in answering practical questions concerning information transfer. (10 references) (Author)

Discusses the nature of information measuring its distance from the perfect theory or from the right answer to the information seeking question that led to it. The measures here are provided by the Tichy-Hilpinen-Oddie-Niiniluoto-likeness measures introduced in the context of the philosophical problem of verisimilitude. (JAK)

The barter system for researchers consists of two parts: a list linking various research areas with researchers willing to entertain collegial inquiriies, and a clerk to note the number of hours that participants give and receive in the information exchange. (MF)

Discusses the computational problems of automating paper-based spatial information. A new relational structure for soil science information based on the main conceptual concepts used during conventional cartographic work is proposed. This model is a computerized framework for coherent description of the geographical variability of soils, combined…