Governing knowledge commons in information science

Abstract

Introduction. The governing knowledge commons (GKC) framework supports analysis and research design regarding the co-production of information and communities, including associated governance mechanisms to structure engagement with the information or community produced in the interactions. However, knowledge commons are more prominent in information science (IS) as a concept than as robust theory to support analysis of commons, as through the GKC framework or other institutional approaches.

Analysis. This paper assesses the use of the GKC framework in IS research via structured and thematic analysis of the IS literature, collected systematically to include all published citations to GKC, the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework, and commoning theory and references to knowledge commons.

Results. Results are organized to reflect the spectrum of engagement with these concepts and theories in the form of a typology. A guide is presented to apply the GKC framework for use in IS.

Conclusions. Robust theories support understanding and practice in IS research yet are often underutilized with respect to knowledge commons; future applications of the GKC framework will benefit research in knowledge management, information policy and ethics, and collaborative information and technology studies.