Foundations of Library and Information Science

From Library Journal
In ten substantial chapters, Rubin (Human Resource Management in Libraries: Theory and Practice, Professional Reading, LJ 9/15/91) surveys library and information science, noting its significant components and depicting its contexts. Unlike encyclopedias and dictionaries that comprise the bulk of the available resources dealing comprehensively with the field, this is an integrated treatment, essentially a textbook intended to be read and discussed by library school students and instructors. Like many textbooks, the prose is often dry, and the analysis is sometimes cursory. But Rubin concisely and clearly presents numerous lively topics for discussion?the question of librarianship as a profession, the differences among types of libraries, gender segregation across job types, censorship, etc.?throughout the work's examination of politics and policies, technology, information organization, ethics, and history. (Some topics, such as the Z39.50 standard, might have been more precisely described.) Texts for further reading are enumerated at the end of each chapter as well as in a selection appended to the main text. Additional appendixes include a variety of reprinted documents and lists of academic, print, and electronic resources pertaining to the field. Students and faculty in library and information studies programs will benefit from Rubin's extensive text.?Dean C. Rowan, Whittier P.L., CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Designed to explain today's information environment to students in library and information science and practitioners in the field, this book offers much of the same content and organizational structure as its previous edition, focusing again on the many social, political, intellectual, and economic factors affecting libraries. This edition does, however, contain new discussions on the impact of the Internet, competitive intelligence, filtering, homeland security issues, digital libraries, metadata, and the ever-evolving environment of libraries and library science education. Some of the changes facing libraries are also explored, among them scholarly publishing, diversity, preservation, and information literacy, to name a few. Content is clear, thorough, balanced, and highly readable. Practical information is made even more meaningful with figures, charts, tables, updated appendixes, and revised lists of selected readings. A superb resource that contributes greatly to its field. Sean Kinder
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