Understanding and Communicating Social Informatics: A Framework for Studying and Teaching the Human Contexts of Information and Communication Technologies

Citation

(2006), "Understanding and Communicating Social Informatics: A Framework for Studying and Teaching the Human Contexts of Information and Communication Technologies", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 40 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prog.2006.28040cae.003

Understanding and Communicating Social Informatics: A Framework for Studying and Teaching the Human Contexts of Information and Communication Technologies

Understanding and Communicating Social Informatics: A Framework for Studying and Teaching the Human Contexts of Information and Communication Technologies,

Rob Kling, H. Rosenbaum and S. SawyerInformation TodayMedford, NJ2005216 pp.ISBN 1-57387-228-8$39.50,

Keywords: Information and communication technologies, Social informatics

This work breaks new ground in that the term “social informatics” was first coined by Rob Kling in 1996 and developed at the Center for Social Informatics in the School of Library and Information Science of Indiana University. The resulting research programme brought together social science and computer science, addressing issues concerning computing technologies and their social implications. Such research is intended to highlight the dichotomy often evident between technology and people, especially in the working environment. The intention is to provide insights into ways in which integration can be understood and achieved. This work is intended mainly to introduce the concept of “social informatics” and to explain its relevance for those involved. Such would include academics, administrators, teachers, policy makers, researchers and those funding research in this area. The seven chapters cover: an introduction to social informatics; the implications of ICT for organisations; designers and developers of ICT systems; ICT for policy analysts; teaching; communicating SI research; conclusions. Included are a 26-page bibliography and a 6-page glossary.