At its core, a framework for organizing information, specifically as defined in the field of knowledge organization, is a unit of analysis that combines the Knowledge Organization System (KOS), the work practices that surround it, and the discourse of its implemented context (Tennis, 2006; Tennis and Jacob, 2008). This integrated view goes beyond just the technical structure of how information is arranged; it looks at how that system functions within its real-world setting.
Understanding the Components
To grasp this definition, let's break down the key elements identified by the framework:
- Knowledge Organization System (KOS): This is the formal structure used to organize information. It could be a simple classification scheme, a detailed taxonomy, a complex ontology, or even a standard set of rules for metadata. Think of it as the blueprint or the rules engine. Examples include the Dewey Decimal Classification, library subject headings, or the categories on an e-commerce website.
- Work Practices: These are the actual activities, behaviors, and routines that people use when interacting with the KOS and the information it organizes. How do catalogers apply the KOS? How do users search using it? What are the informal shortcuts or methods developed over time? This component focuses on the human element and the practical use of the system.
- Discourse of Implemented Context: This refers to the language, communication, and shared understanding within the specific environment where the KOS is used. It includes the terminology used by the community, the discussions about how the system should work, and the social norms that influence its application and interpretation. It's about the cultural and social layer surrounding the information organization effort.
Why Combine These Elements?
Viewing these three components together as a single "unit of analysis" allows researchers and practitioners to understand how information is actually organized and accessed in a specific setting. It contextualizes the technical system (KOS) within the human activities (work practices) and the social environment (discourse).
| Component | Description | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge System (KOS) | The formal structure (rules, categories, relationships) | The what of organization |
| Work Practices | The human activities and routines involved in using the KOS | The how (human action) |
| Contextual Discourse | The language, communication, and social environment surrounding the KOS use | The why and where (social/cultural) |
This framework helps to contextualize the concept of "action"—meaning it helps explain why and how information organization efforts happen in a particular way, considering the interplay between the system, the people using it, and the environment they operate in.
Practical Insights
While the reference provides a specific academic definition, understanding this multi-faceted view offers practical insights:
- Beyond the Software: Implementing a new KOS (like library software or a digital asset management system) isn't enough. You must also consider how people will use it (work practices) and ensure the system fits within the existing culture and communication styles (discourse).
- Understanding Challenges: Problems in information retrieval or organization often stem not just from a poor KOS, but from a mismatch between the KOS, the users' work practices, or the specific language and understanding of the context.
- Designing Effective Systems: An effective information organization system must be designed with its intended users and their operational context in mind, not just based on abstract logical structures.
In essence, this framework highlights that organizing information isn't just about building a system; it's about the dynamic interaction between the system, the people who use it, and the environment they share.
