ABSTRACT

Domain analysis (DA) is a metatheoretical framework for Library and Information Science (LIS) suggested by the present author in 1993 and since then further developed. It was then constructed as a response to the cognitive view, which at that time had an overwhelming influence in our field. The basic claim in DA is that “domains” of knowledge, not individual cognitive structures are the proper object of study for LIS. This entry introduces shortly DA in the context of the history of LIS. It considers the relation between ordinary subject knowledge on the one hand and domain knowledge in LIS on the other hand. The information specialists have a specific kind of knowledge about domains that distinguish them from ordinary subject specialists. The entry discusses the concept of a domain and introduces three basic analytical dimensions in the study of domains of knowledge: The ontological dimension, the epistemological dimension, and the sociological dimension. It also considers approaches to DA and the issues on which DA focuses.Finally the philosophical frameworks are introduced: The sociocognitive view based on pragmatist authors such as John Dewey and Russian historical–cultural psychology authors such as L. S. Vygotsky.