Information Science in Dialogue with Archival Science, Library Science and Museum Studies: The Recent Brazilian Experience

Abstract

Purpose/Thesis: In this article we discuss the theoretical common ground of archival science, library science and museum studies share with one another and with information science.Approach/Method: The article offers a systematic review of scholarship in each of the disciplines discussed, starting with foundational texts and progressing through different periods, geographical areas, and traditions of thought.Results and conclusions: We present the historical context in which the three disciplines were established and identify the twentieth-century theoretical developments that resulting rejection of the previously dominant paradigm. We conclude that the concept of information as studied recently may favor the advancement of theoretical perspectives in the three areas and points to the possibility of its epistemological dialogue.Research limitations: The literature review focused on the studies that had the most significant impact on Brazilian scholarship. It could be extended to other countries, and other theories.Practical implications: The results of the presented research may provide a conceptual basis for university courses in archival science, library science and museum studies, as they already do in Brazil. They may also inspire a comparison with other countries.Originality/Value: There are only few studies which combine the analysis of archival science, library science and museum studies; even less relate these disciplines to information science. We believe that considering the theoretical frameworks of all these disciplines together will be beneficial for all.