It is 5 years since the publication of the seminal paper on “Design Science in Information Systems Research” by Hevner, March, Park, and Ram in MIS Quarterly and the initiation of the Information Technology and Systems department of the Communications of AIS. These events in 2004 are markers in the move of design science to the forefront of information systems research. A suf cient interval has elapsed since then to allow assessment of from where the eld has come and where it should go. Design science research and behavioral science research started as dual tracks when IS was a young eld. By the 1990s, the in ux of behavioral scientists started to dominate the number of design scientists and the eld moved in that direction. By the early 2000s, design people were having dif culty publishing in mainline IS journals and in being tenured in many universities. Yes, an annual Workshop on Information Technology and Systems (WITS) was established in 1991 in conju- tion with the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) and grew each year. But that was the extent of design science recognition. Fortunately, a revival is underway. By 2009, when this foreword was written, the fourth DESRIST c- ference has been held and plans are afoot for the 2010 meeting. Design scientists regained respect and recognition in many venues where they previously had little.

Reveals how practitioners, consultants, and faculty can derive theories from actual experience and use such theories in solving real world problems. Bill Crowley explores why theory, in particular theory developed by university and college faculty, is too little used in the off-campus world. The volume examines the importance of solving the theory irrelevance problem, and drawing on a broad spectrum of research and theoretical insights, it provides suggestions for overcoming the not-so-hidden secret of the academic world - why theory with little or no perceived relevance to off-campus environments can be absolutely essential to advancing faculty careers. It also addresses the implications for theory development of fundamental aspects of the American culture and economy, including: the American ambivalence towards intellectuals, the rise in the "theory-unfriendly" environments of for-profit educational institutions, and public demands for enhanced accountability.

The first of its kind, this book provides a theoretically informed research guide and draws attention to areas of potential research in Library and Information Science. It explores the nexus of theory and practice and offers suggestions for collaborative projects. The clear text, simple style and rich content make the book an invaluable resource for students, scholars and practicing librarians, as well as the general reader who may be interested in library and information science research. - Apart from providing basic research tools, it acquaints librarians with a theoretical compass for dealing with digital media - It pays particular attention to the electronic media - Addresses topics of current interests in the field, such as user-centered services

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology, DERIST 2012, held in Las Vegas, NV, USA, in May 2012. The 24 revised full papers presented together with 7 revised short papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 44 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on DSRIS in practice, DSRIS methodologies and techniques, social and environmental aspects of DSRIS, theory and theory building in DSRIS, and evaluation of DSRIS projects.

Open Access in Theory and Practice investigates the theory-practice relationship in the domain of open access publication and dissemination of research outputs. Drawing on detailed analysis of the literature and current practice in OA, as well as data collected in detailed interviews with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, the book discusses what constitutes ‘theory’, and how the role of theory is perceived by both theorists and practitioners. Exploring the ways theory and practice have interacted in the development of OA, the authors discuss what this reveals about the nature of the OA phenomenon itself and the theory-practice relationship. Open Access in Theory and Practice contributes to a better understanding of OA and, as such, should be of great interest to academics, researchers, and students working in the fields of information science, publishing studies, science communication, higher education policy, business, and economics. The book also makes an important contribution to the debate of the relationship between theory and practice in information science, and more widely across different fields of the social sciences and humanities

Historically, the major Library and Information Science (LIS) research-producing centers of the world have largely been the universities and information institutions of North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe. This is changing with the growth of Asian economies, universities, and information industries. Library and Information Science Research in Asia-Oceania: Theory and Practice presents evolving and emerging research and development in the field of library and information science (LIS) in diverse countries in Asia-Oceania as the region continues to develop. This book is intended as a useful resource for LIS researchers, scholars, students, professionals, and practitioners, and is an appropriate text for courses in LIS. In addition, anyone interested in understanding the LIS field in the region will find this book a fascinating and enlightening read.

Recent changes in information science have emerged as a result of challenges faced by the business, social, and scientific worlds, as well as continued progress in information and communication technologies. Organizations have begun to seek collaborative and joint efforts that allow them to better participate in challenging and competitive opportunities. This is illustrated by the creation of highly integrated supply chains, virtual libraries and organizations, and virtual laboratories. Systems Science and Collaborative Information Systems: Theories, Practices and New Research examines the impact of new information services on day-to-day activities from a range of contemporary technical and socio-cultural perspectives. This collection also creates a sound theoretical basis for information systems and new research opportunities in the field.