Even today there are still a good number of information services that ignore the end-user and plan their work systems around the characteristics of the documentary stock that they handle. They also consider the form in which information should be presented. Such centers turn their backs on reality because it is the end-user who should be the primary objective of any information office, service, or library.
Perhaps also to be considered is the lack of theoretical knowledge regarding the scientific basis of this subject which we call "information science." Most "information professionals" believe that a knowledge of information-library techniques is enough to achieve their aims. In my opinion, it is true that good service can be given to the user merely by following such technical aspects such as information indexing and retrieval. Such people may know well how to construct a thesaurus or data base, and hence, have in hand the information when serving a given user, or even future users.
However, despite their undoubted intellectual capacity, these professionals behave like automatons. They carry out intellectual and mechanical processes in an almost routine manner. This category of professional is certainly very necessary, but it is not enough. It is insufficient if information science is to achieve the category it merits within other branches of science as one of them. Theoretical studies are needed to provide a scientific basis to such a highly generalized, consulted and necessary discipline for the development of society and of the individual.
How can techniques advance if they are not supported by theoretical and scientific studies that foster invention and explain discoveries? How can we reach that new level of civilization and culture in order to overcome the present crises of mankind, without studying the scientific and philosophical foundations that help us to form new paradigms?
In any science, theoretical studies are important as are those who volunteer to study. It is often not a brilliant task, nor are fascinating an spectacular results obtained. Results are generally long-term and often the author of basic theoretical research, so necessary for technical and technological advances, is neither recognized nor recompensed.
How can we refer to ourselves as information scientists if we are just highly experienced and skillful technicians?