Epistemological positions and library and information science

Epistemology in library and information science (LIS) operates at a level that obscures its key features. A closer analysis of library policy and practice nonetheless reveals its shaping influence, making the study of epistemology both theoretically interesting and practically valuable. This article proposes a way of approaching epistemological positions in LIS. In order to do this, it is first necessary to examine its meaning, identify difficulties, and comment on current debates.