Book excerpt: Recent changes in information science have emerged as a result of challenges faced by the business, social, and scientific worlds, as well as continued progress in information and communication technologies. Organizations have begun to seek collaborative and joint efforts that allow them to better participate in challenging and competitive opportunities. This is illustrated by the creation of highly integrated supply chains, virtual libraries and organizations, and virtual laboratories. Systems Science and Collaborative Information Systems: Theories, Practices and New Research examines the impact of new information services on day-to-day activities from a range of contemporary technical and socio-cultural perspectives. This collection also creates a sound theoretical basis for information systems and new research opportunities in the field.