The nature of Information Science and why it is important for society. lectio inaguralis 2018 at the post-graduate in Information Science, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Professor Michael Buckland gave a lecture at the post-graduation in Information Science at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, in December 12th of 2017. Objective: In his lecture, professor Buckland told how he became a librarian and the lessons from his management experiences at the University of Lancaster, Purdue University and the University of California. He commented the way in which he developed a ‘comparative anatomy of Information Science’ and how a collection of dead birds inspired his work about ‘Information as thing’, that became a classic for all scientists in the field. He also explained his decision to rescue forgotten historical figures in the area: Suzanne Briet, Emanuel Goldberg, and Lodewyk Bendikson. Methodology: Professor Buckland's exposition used his biography as a tool to explain his observations in respect to management in the area of information systems and libraries, his theoretical proposals, and his position about the role of Information Science in society. Conclusions: To close, professor Buckland made a reflection about the social importance of Information Science and its impact in producing a society with awareness about information quality and its lack of it, in regard to significant problems.