Information Architecture

What exactly does this term mean?

[neophyte]

Everytime I start a project, I have a discovery meeting with the client, then, from that meeting I draft a preliminary site map from the information I gleaned during discovery.

If the client has never had a site before and doesn't really know what type of information should go on which page, I also draft a document that has information like the following:

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ALL PAGES:

Masthead graphic and logo. Copyright and “All Rights Reserved” slug. Global navigation.

1. HOME:

Page content includes: Introductory hook text and three graphic boxes located below hook text. Each box contains 1 graphic (an image of a PC system - (indicating the "Systems" link); an image of a spool of internet cable or a router (indicating the "Networks" link); ...

... and so on for each page in the site map.

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I've read on WebmasterWorld the term Information Architecture but have never really been clear about what people mean by it.

Is the example shown above something like Info. Archetecture? I'm sure there's more to it than the stuff I do.

I'd be interested in any clarification/information/education on the width and breath of this topic, including if it's common practice to charge for this kind of service, what's involved, etc., etc., etc.

Thanks to all in advance.

[bill]

You'll probably get some good information out of tedster's threads then:

• Information Architecture for the Small Site - part 1 [webmasterworld.com]
  
• Information Architecture for the Small Site - part 2 [webmasterworld.com]

Those threads gave me a very good basic understanding of the topic.

[neophyte]

Thanks Bill! Just the stuff I was looking for to get me started on the right track.