Information and data sciences: Context, units of analysis, meaning, and human impact

Abstract

Information Science has been evolving for almost a century and an allied field of study called data science is generating excitement and impact. This article provides a framework for advancing and distinguishing information science and data science. The terms ‘data’ and ‘information’ are compared with respect to the word ‘knowledge’, and the consequent areas of study and practice called data science and information science are then compared on factors such as degree of context, primary unit of interest, consideration of meaning, and attention to human impact.