Information management functions in national economies. An analysis of the information sector in Austria

Abstract

The information sector has been an area of research for more than 40 years and researchers still try to find different approaches to this topic. The project presented in this contribution approaches the information sector from an information science perspective. Information management functions (IMF) – i.e. all functions and processes related to information selection, acquisition, description, preservation, product creation and services – will serve as a starting point for analysis. The fundamental assumption is that these functions do not occur only in libraries but also in other contexts. Accordingly, economic costs associated with IMF, represented by labor and capital necessary for their performance can be measured in a wide range of contexts, including libraries but also industries of various kinds. One of the main goals of the project is to investigate the extent of IMF in knowledge industries of the Austrian national economy. Since the project uses a methodology developed by Robert M. Hayes, who has already conducted similar research in the U.S., it will be possible to position the project outcome in an international context.