A Bridge too Far? Critical Remarks on the Concept of “Infrastructure” in Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Information Systems

Charlotte P. Lee, Kjeld Schmidt

Publikation: Bidrag til bog/antologi/rapportBidrag til bog/antologiForskningpeer review

Abstract

The study of computing infrastructures has grown significantly due to the rapid proliferation and ubiquity of large-scale IT-based installations. At the same time, recognition has also grown of the usefulness of such studies as a means for understanding computing infrastructures as material complements of practical action. Subsequently the concept of “infrastructure” (or “information infrastructures,” “cyberinfrastructures,” and “infrastructuring”) has gained increasing importance in the area of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) as well as in neighboring areas such as Information Systems research (IS) and Science and Technology Studies (STS). However, as such studies have unfolded, the very concept of “infrastructure” is being applied in different discourses, for different purposes, in myriad different senses. Consequently, the concept of “infrastructure” has become increasingly muddled and needs clarification. The chapter presents a critical investigation of the vicissitudes of the concept of “infrastructure” over the last 35 years.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TitelSocio-informatics : A Practice-based Perspective on the Design and Use of IT Artifacts
RedaktørerVolker Wulf, Volkmar Pipek, David Randall, Markus Rohde, Kjeld Schmidt, Gunnar Stevens
UdgivelsesstedOxford
ForlagOxford University Press
Publikationsdato2018
Sider177-218
Kapitel5
ISBN (Trykt)9780198733249
ISBN (Elektronisk)9780191047862, 9780191047879
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2018

Emneord

  • Infrastructure
  • Information infrastructure
  • Cyberinfrastructure
  • Infrastructuring
  • Computer-supported cooperative work
  • CSCW
  • Information systems research
  • IS
  • Science and technology studies
  • STS
  • Computing technology

Citationsformater