The Faculty of Information Studies at the University of Toronto is going through an exciting planning process. See the PDF Chartreuse Paper at WebBoard – Guest User Page.
In the paper the dean, Briank Cantwell Smith raises questions about what is the subject of information studies (we all study information.) He argues for an issues oriented, interdisciplinary centre that looks at documentary practices and performances.
What is exciting about the process is that it is open (I can look at it) and openness is also one of the issues (as in Open Source as an issue.)
Perhaps what we need is a clear philosophy of open source research as a practice.