Photography as document: Otlet and Briet’s considerations

Abstract

Introduction: The amount and variety of information that are conveyed in different media and means incite a concern, especially in relation to photographic documents, since they are currently the focus of interest of the Information Science field. In this context, this paper emphasizes the role of photographs as sources of information capable of generating knowledge as well as an important aid for research in different areas. Objective: The main goal of this study was to research the concepts and definitions underpinning the photograph as a document in information units. Methodology: Bibliographic and documentary research. Results: It can be affirmed through the meanings about the term document discussed in the literature by the researched authors that the photograph corresponds to the assumptions necessary to substantiate document and photograph in photographic document. Conclusions: It is understood that this study clarifies some issues related to photograph as a document; however, this proposition raises reflections about the importance of the production context as well as its essential relationship with other documents, so that it is indisputably consolidated as a photographic document.