Information Environment and Information Environment of Science: Essence and Purpose

Importance. For any discipline, it is important to have a clear conceptual apparatus. Of particular importance are interdisciplinary terms, such as «information», «environment», «space» and their derivatives. In studies of the process of informatization, as well as thematic legal documents, the terms «information environment», «information space» are used in different meanings without sufficiently clear, coherent interpretation. Objectives. Analysis of the concept of «information environment», identifying the distinctive characteristics of the information environment of science. Methods. Used etymological research technique, a comparative analysis of existing research of information environment, analysis of the Russian legal and regulatory framework governing the process of informatization and information technologies, synthesis method of definition of the information environment, a system method in determining the functions, structure and features of the information environment of science. Results. Content of the term «environment», as differed from the term «space» analyzed. Approaches to the interpretation of the terms «information», «data» and «knowledge» specified. The Russian history of interpreting the term «information environment» since the mid-80s of XX century retraced. Modern approaches to its definition in scientific works and legal and regulatory framework analyzed. Definition of the information environment generated, its functions, structure, features (openness, polymorphism, redundancy, man-made origin, irreversibility) as well as the characteristics of the information environment of science: specific composition of its participants – scientists, researchers, administrators; understanding of information from the standpoint of the importance of the quality rather than quantity; prevalence of theoretical knowledge; separation of the processes of creation and distribution of information. Conclusions and Relevance. The current state of the information environment is qualitatively different from its state in the last century. The exchange of information ensures the stability and development of different systems therefore further research of the processes of informatization is needed, in particular, that of the development of conceptual apparatus, including the categories «information», «information environment », «information society».