Introductions to the subject

5338 Foundations of library and information science

R.E. Rubin 2nd edn, Neal-Schuman, 2004, 581pp. $65. ISBN 1555705189.

Comprehensive introduction which places librarianship in its broader context and identifies key issues for contemporary practice. Covers the information infrastructure, a services perspective on information science, information policy, information organization, library values, professional ethics, libraries as institutions and the library profession. Includes end-of-chapter references and selected readings on nine topics.

‘As Victorian travelers once carried their Baedekers, MLIS students will now cart their Rubins …’ (Journal of the American Society for Information Science)

5339 Fundamentals of information studies: understanding information and its environment

J. Lester and W.C. Koehler 2nd edn, Neal-Schuman, 2007, 375pp. $65. ISBN 1555705944.

Accessible textbook intended to provide a broadly based introduction to the information field, covering information in society, fundamental concepts of information, information technology, information institutions, information professions, economics of information, regulation of information, information policy and information ethics. Announced new edition includes additional chapters on user behaviour and on information, power and society, with all other chapters updated and revised. End-of-chapter references, glossary and comprehensive index. Supported by companion website.

5340 Information management: a consolidation of operations, analysis and strategy

M. Middleton; Charles Sturt University 2002, 526pp. AUS$90. ISBN 1976938366.

Notable for its focus on the softer aspects of ‘information management’, defined: ‘In this book information management is taken to be the organization of the institutional processes necessary for use of information, as well as organization of the information itself for effectivecommunication – whether directly or in recorded form.’ Four parts: A. Overview; B. Organizational information management; C. Analytical aspects of information management; D. Administrative aspects of information management. Good use of graphics.

From the University's Centre for Information Studies

5341 Information strategy in practice

E. Orna Gower, 2004, 163pp. £35. ISBN 0566085798.

Shorter, updated version of the author's classic text Practical information policies (2nd edn. Gower, 1999), aimed at newcomers to the field, particularly students and professionals lacking an information specialist background. Provides a step-by-step guide to developing and using an information strategy, starting with the conduct of an initial information audit, prior to formulating an organizational information policy and translating this into a practical information strategy. Prefaced by useful definitions and explanations of key concepts, such as knowledge, information, organizational information policy, information strategy, information management and knowledge management.