Abstract

Many people contributed to the completion of my dissertation, and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the numerous forms of assistance I received. Faculty and staff of the University of Michigan (UM) School of Information (SI) provided unlimited support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my studies. Initial thanks go to my committee members. My chair, Associate Professor Margaret Hedstrom, mentored me through each stage of the program. Her wisdom, her confidence in me, and her ability to offer comments of just the right kind at exactly the right time helped me to sharpen my thinking, to improve my writing, and to achieve more than I thought possible. Associate Professor Paul N. Edwards introduced me to the field of science studies and offered advice that enhanced the presentation of my research. Professor Jeffrey K. MacKie Mason and Assistant Professor Brian Athey accepted a methodological approach different from their own and offered comments that substantially improved my dissertation. Others at SI also assisted me. Associate Dean and Professor Gary Olson played a substantial role in making SI a wonderful place to pursue a doctoral education. Professor Judy Olson provided support at a critical time in my research. Associate Dean

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