The society of mind
The in-formation of information systems
Critical issues in information systems research
Computer science as empirical inquiry: symbols and search
Communications of the ACM
Fundamental forms of information: Research Articles
Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
Enterprise Ontology: Theory and Methodology
Enterprise Ontology: Theory and Methodology
Information: Objective or subjective-situational?
Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
Information Behavior: An Evolutionary Instinct
Information Behavior: An Evolutionary Instinct
Significance: Exploring the Nature of Information, Systems and Technology
Significance: Exploring the Nature of Information, Systems and Technology
Dances with bees: Exploring the relevance of the study of animal communication to informatics
International Journal of Information Management: The Journal for Information Professionals
International Journal of Information Management: The Journal for Information Professionals
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The concept of information is clearly foundational to the 'information' disciplines but lacking in a clear conceptual foundation. In this paper we propose that the concept is clearly overloaded and suggest that a new vocabulary is needed to enhance our powers of understanding and explanation. We argue that information is better situated at the intersection of signs, patterns and systems, which involves the enactment of forma (the substance of a sign), informa (the content of a sign) and performa (the use of signs in coordinated action). Within this perspective 'information' is considered an accomplishment not only of humans but also of animals. This leads us to use a well-documented case from the animal kingdom, that of communication amongst Gunnison prairie dogs, to both ground and expand upon significant elements from our conceptual framework. This we believe helps shed new light on what the juxtaposition of information with behaviour actually means.