Defining “information resources” in the era of information space development

The study is novel in that the author attempts to define unequivocally the term "information resources" to be integrated into scientific, professional and regulatory discourse. The concept of information resources is one of the key ones for building information society and information space, meanwhile it has been still interpreted equivocally. The author analyzes the meaning of the term “information resources” as used in reference, legal, regulatory and scientific documents. He also reviews its historical background from the very introduction till nowadays. In considering the phenomenon of information resources, the author proceeds from the category "knowledge," which serves as a link in embracing the nature, development and use of technologies, and life activities. This approach forms the basis for the model of information resources circulation from individuals to the society using computer and communication technology. The importance of information resources in the era of information space development is emphasized. The author proposes the component structure of information resources to comprise five elements: the society, hardware, software (software), data and knowledge bases, and communication. Each element of this structure comprises a number of complementary components. The findings of the study evidence on the significant role of the term in research, library and information activities, as well on the need to include this term in law and regulatory documents.