Information Systems Presentation
Part 1: Definition and Scope of an Information System
Good morning, everyone. Today, I'll be discussing the core concepts of
information systems, starting with their definition and scope.
An information system (IS) is an integrated set of components for collecting,
storing, processing, and distributing information to support decision-making,
coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization. Think of it
as a sociotechnical system. It's not just the technology; it's the people and
processes that use that technology.
For example, a Library Management System (LMS) is a perfect illustration of an
IS. It combines hardware (servers, computers), software (the LMS application),
data (patron records, book catalogs), people (librarians, patrons), and
processes (check-out procedures, cataloging) to manage library operations.
Information Systems (IS) vs. Information Technology (IT)
This is a common point of confusion. Information Technology (IT) is a narrower
concept that refers to the hardware and software used to store, retrieve,
transmit, and manipulate data. It's the technical component of an IS. IT is a
tool, while an IS is the entire system that uses that tool.
1: IT Example: A server rack, a database management system like MySQL, or a
networking cable. These are the building blocks.
2: IS Example: The complete Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that a
large corporation uses to manage its finances, human resources, and supply
chain. This system integrates multiple IT components to achieve a business
objective.
A good analogy is a car. The engine, tires, and steering wheel are the IT—the
core components. The entire car, with the driver and the process of driving, is
the IS.
Scholar: Kenneth C. Laudon & Jane P. Laudon, authors of "Management
Information Systems," are widely recognized for their work on this distinction.
Part 2: Data, Information, and Knowledge
These three terms form a hierarchy and are foundational to our field.
1. Data are raw, unprocessed facts, figures, or symbols. They have no meaning
on their own.
Example: The number "250" or the word "books."
1. Information is data that has been organized, processed, or structured
within a context to give it meaning.
Example: The phrase "The library has 250 books on artificial intelligence."
Here, "250" and "books" are given context, making them meaningful.
1. Knowledge is the a-ha moment! 💡 It's the understanding, insight, or
expertise gained from experience and information. It's the ability to apply
information to a new situation.
Example: Knowing that the library's AI book collection has grown by 50% in
the last year, a librarian might infer a rising student interest and
recommend purchasing more titles on related subjects.
This progression—Data to Information to Knowledge—is often called the
DIK pyramid or hierarchy.
Scholar: Russell L. Ackoff, in his work on systems thinking, is often credited
with defining and popularizing this hierarchy.
Part 3: The Five Components of an Information System
Regardless of its purpose, every information system is made up of five core
components. In Library and Information Science, these components are critical
to how we design and use systems.
1: Hardware: The physical equipment and devices used for input, processing,
and output.
Meaning: The tangible technology.
L&IS Use: Computers for cataloging, barcode scanners for check-outs,
servers for hosting the library database, and printers for generating reports.
Example: A patron using a self-checkout kiosk.
2: Software: The set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to
do.
Meaning: The intangible applications and operating systems.
L&IS Use: Integrated Library Systems (ILS) like Koha or Alma, database
management systems like PostgreSQL, and the Windows or Linux operating
systems that run the computers.
Example: The software application that allows librarians to search the
entire collection by author, title, or subject.
3: Data: The raw facts and figures that the system processes.
Meaning: The content of the system.
L&IS Use: Bibliographic records (author, title, ISBN), patron information
(name, address, loan history), and circulation statistics.
Example: A record in the database for the book "Library 2.0 and Beyond"
including its call number and availability status.
4: People: The human element who interact with and manage the system.
Meaning: The users, developers, and administrators.
L&IS Use: Librarians who catalog new books, IT staff who maintain the
network, and library patrons who use the online catalog.
Example: A librarian helping a student find a book using the public access
catalog.
5: Processes: The procedures and workflows that govern how the system
works.
Meaning: The rules, steps, and methods for achieving a goal.
L&IS Use: The procedure for adding a new book to the collection, the steps
a patron follows to reserve a book online, and the workflow for overdue
book notifications.
Example: The step-by-step process for a student to renew a book online
through the library's website.
Scholar: A widely cited scholar for the components of an information
system is James O'Brien, from his book "Introduction to Information
Systems."
