Foundations of Library and Information Science [Paperback]

Richard Rubin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2000 | ISBN-10: 1555704026 | ISBN-13: 978-1555704025 | Edition: Updated

This is the revised edition of the first textbook specifically written to cover the fundamentals of library and information science programs. Designed as a highly current teaching resource, Rubin offers library and information science students and professionals the background and techniques they need to meet today's - and tomorrow's - challenges.

Foundations of Library and Information Science begins with a discussion of the practice of librarianship, and moves on to address the place of libraries within the broader perspective of the information superstructure, the development of information science, the growth of information technologies, information policy in libraries, intellectual organization of libraries (from classification systems to databases), the mission of libraries from past to present, and ethical aspects and principles between information providers and clients. The various types of libraries (public, academic, school, and special), their internal functions, and the major organizational issues they face are discussed.

This comprehensive text contains an extensive list of selected readings. Appendixes include the Association of Research Libraries Statement on Intellectual Property; Development of the National Information Infrastructure; a bill of rights and responsibilities for electronic learners; major periodicals, indexes, encyclopedias and dictionaries in library and information science; and a listing of associations.

Editorial Reviews

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.

From Booklist

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
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 495 pages
• Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub; Updated edition (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555704026
• ISBN-13: 978-1555704025
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,446,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit sparse with respect to actual information science, December 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Foundations of Library and Information Science (Paperback)

This book is a nice primer for anyone considering a profession as a librarian. However, I bought it hoping for an introduction to the theory and design of taxonomies, thesauri, and controlled vocabularies. I was disappointed to find that the emphasis is on standards, ethics, the library as an institution, etc. The title is a bit misleading.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars on content alone does this book get the fourth star..., March 26, 2006

By 

J. Walters "Burkbum" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Foundations of Library and Information Science (Paperback)

Wow. Someone called this book reader friendly. ::blink, blink:: I don't know about that. What I do know is that it is a tremendous resource for the LIS professional. Like probably every other MLIS/MLS student in America, I bought this book for one of my early courses. I read snippets. I skimmed mercilessly. I snored repeatedly, but I learned copiously. Buy it if you must. Borrow it if you have the chance. Don't skip it unless you have to.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thorough introductory material, December 11, 2004

By 

K. A. Mills (Greensboro, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Foundations of Library and Information Science (Paperback)

As with many MLS students, this was the required test for my introductory course. I was dreading it based on some of the reviews I read here. I expected to tolerate the material and then quickly sell my book after the semester. Sure, not all of the material is exciting, but let's be realistic: it's a textbook! Rubin does a fine job of covering the foundations of librarianship. This is not a book to read for practical, how-to information. It is a foundations book ... one that covers the history, values, ethics, and policies of the profession. It also has an interesting chapter on how the profession is evolving. I agree with a previous reviewer's comments that the graphics were uninspiring. On the whole, though, the text is a fine, introductory resource, and one that I'll keep through my MLS program as a reference.