The 'information society' as paradigm: a bibliometric inquiry

Abstract

It has been claimed that the 'information society' constitutes a new paradigm. The paper describes the use of online bibliometrics to investigate this claim. The methodology involved systematic searching of the databases Information Science Abstracts, Social SciSearch, INSPEC and Arts & Humanities Search. Results showed the remarkable extent and range of journal citations over a ten-year period, at least in the information, social and engineering sciences. The wide range of disciplinary, organisational and national affiliations is commented upon. Title and sample contextual analysis of papers suggests that a majority of researchers regard the concept of the 'information society' as a para digm, more or less assuming the validity of the dogmas of 'information society' theorists such as Daniel Bell. However, the searches also revealed an apparent decline in frequency of use of the term. Judged by its bibliometric behaviour, it is not yet possible to say with any certainty that the 'infor mation society' has achieved paradigmatic status. Some suggestions for further research are included.

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