Evaluation of scientific merit in col laboratories: A new look at an old question

What role can information science play in promoting public understanding of science and technology? In order to answer this question, it is important to understand the new perspective which is emerging for research in the information science field. Internet, and the information superhighways announced both in Europe and the United States, are increasingly focusing attention on computer‐mediated communication within research communities. “Collaboratories”; is the name given to work aimed at using computer‐based technologies to help promote the social processes of knowledge production. One goal of information science lies in efforts to measure the contribution of technical devices to knowledge production practices. This is called infometrics research; it requires a clear understanding of how the social system of science regulates information flows to promote these practices.