The ‘language’ of informatics: The nature of information systems

• Published in: International journal of information management 2009-04, Vol.29 (2), p.92-103
• Main Author: Beynon-Davies, Paul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; History; Informatics; Information and communication sciences; Information retrieval systems. Information and document management system; Information science; Information science. Documentation; Information System; Information systems; Library and information science. General aspects; Miscellaneous; Sciences and techniques of general use; Second World War; Studies; Theories, definitions and sources in information science; Universals; World War 2; World War II
• ISSN: 0268-4012; 1873-4707
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2008.11.002

This is the second paper in a series examining the fundamental nature of informatics. The aim of the current paper is to provide a more detailed account of the concept of an information system based upon an earlier paper entitled Informatics and the Inca. The paper also builds upon the content of the first paper in this series entitled Neolithic Informatics: The Nature of Information. We ground the discussion in a significant case from the Second World War: that of the Warning Network. The Warning Network was a system that contributed to victory of the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain. Through examination of this case we establish the idea of an information system as a semi-formal ‘language’ necessary for the coordination and control of activity in various forms of human organization.