Information science: communication chain and domain analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to derive a conceptual model for information science, which is both academically sound and practically useful, particularly for curriculum design. Design/methodology/approach The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis, based on an extensive literature review, going back to the earliest days of information science. Findings A conceptual model is derived, based on the study of components of the information chain through approaches of domain analysis, plus “fringe” topics and a meta‐level consideration of the discipline itself. Links to related subjects may be derived systematically from this model. Originality/value This is the first paper to suggest that a useful model for information science can be derived, based on the idea of studying the communication chain by means of domain analysis.