The relationship of information science to the social sciences: A co-citation analysis

摘要

A co-citation cluster analysis of a three year (1975–1977) cumulation of the Social Sciences Citation Index is described, and clusters of information science documents contained in this data-base are identified using a journal subset concentration measure. The internal structure of the information science clusters is analyzed in terms of co-citations among clusters, and external linkages to fields outside information science are explored. It is shown that clusters identified by the journal concentration method also cohere in a natural way through cluster co-citation. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relationship of information science to the social sciences, and suggestions are made on how these data might be used in planning an agenda for research in the field.