Introduction to Information Science - Softcover

David Bawden (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555708617 ISBN 13: 9781555708610

Publisher: American Library Association, 2012

Synopsis

Introduced by leading international scholars and offering a global perspective on the discipline, this is designed to be the standard text for students worldwide. The authors' expert narrative guides you through each of the essential building blocks of information science offering a concise introduction and expertly chosen further reading and resources. Among the critical topics covered:

• Foundations, including the information society, historical perspectives and concepts
• Organizing and retrieving information
• Information behavior and digital literacies
• Technologies and digital libraries
• Information research and methods
• Changing contexts including publishing, e-science and digital humanities
• The future of the profession

This is the definitive textbook for students of information science, information and knowledge management, librarianship, archives, and records management worldwide. It's also an invaluable guide for students of other information-related disciplines such as museum studies, publishing, and information systems. It's a useful sourcebook for practitioners in all of these disciplines.

About this title

Review

"I believe this book is the best introduction to information science available at present. It tackles both the philosophical basis and the most important branches, and it is based on solid knowledge about the contemporary literature of the field. If students have the knowledge provided by this introduction, this would be a fine basis on which to go further with specific problems." (Birger Hjorland)

"I have no doubts that, for many years to come, this wonderful book will serve as one of the very best places for people to start to make a difference." (Jonathan Furner)

"..an admirable and highly readable introductory source. Accessible, comprehensive, far-reaching and offering an impressive overview of the relevant literature, Introduction to Information Science is an excellent resource that will likely serve as the standard text for the foreseeable future." (Partnership)

"This textbook presents a holistic view of information science in a context of modern technological impacts and global aspects of the changing information society. Therefore the whole work is intended not only for students and teachers of information science as a comprehensive study text, but it is also very instructive for professionals in information and knowledge management, librarianship; also for experts in the field of archives and museums, experts in the publishing industry, or professionals in information systems, especially those engaged with areas of scientific information and communication. In many ways, it is friendly and understandable for other readers who are interested in the information world, information society and information science. Both authors are long-time professionals and are well-known also from speaking activities, lectures, training and workshops around the world in information and library communities, and in the academic environment. Therefore the textbook is not only theoretical, but contains also many practical aspects of information science, and addresses many questions of professionals in practice. Particularly appreciated, in this respect, is the readability and legibility of the book, as well as its efficient graphical design. A conclusion? This beautiful book can go into the world and explain the best principles and roles of information science." (Journal of Documentation)

"The authors’ approach to the book is rooted in the literature. The many references to literature where the reader can find more information on concepts that require much more in-depth discussion bears proof of this approach. Furthermore, the authors are well aware that books can date rapidly. Although they have sought to give up-to-date information, they have principally focused on basic principles. Furthermore, they also emphasise concepts and theories that are useful for an understanding of the subject field and place them in an historical context. Each chapter concludes with a list of key readings and references that pertain to the specific chapter. The book is well written and easy to read. A very useful index concludes the volume. Scholars and academics who are serious about information science as a discipline should not be without this book." (Online Information Review)

"An excellent resource for those wishing to look at the challenges and issues in library science from a technical viewpoint. It is a wide-ranging look at multiple topics in information science, packed with references to important texts in these areas. Both technically complex and more abstract, theoretical discussions are delivered with concision and clarity." (Technicalities)

"...a very useful book for any introductory course for the first year students, that builds an understanding of this wide study, research and practice area that bears the name of Information Science." (Information Research)

About the Author

David Bawden is Professor of Information Science at City University London, editor of Journal of Documentation, and a council member of Aslib. He is author of over 150 books, chapters, papers and published presentations. 
Lyn Robinson is Senior Lecturer in Information Science, and Director of the Postgraduate Information Studies Scheme, at City University London. She is author of numerous papers and published presentations, and has written two books, including Facet's Understanding Healthcare Information.

Edition details

• Publisher: American Library Association
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555708617
• ISBN 13: 9781555708610
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 277