Issues for Libraries and Information Science in the Internet Age - Softcover

Shuman, Bruce A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1563088053 ISBN 13: 9781563088056

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2001

Synopsis

Are libraries destined for extinction as more people turn to the Web for their information needs? Or will the role of libraries expand to bridge the gap between information haves and have-nots? How will censorship issues, information overload, and archiving affect libraries in years to come? The immense changes brought by the Internet pose many questions and dilemmas for today's librarians, challenging many fundamental beliefs and practices. This timely work addresses a number of major critical issues facing libraries and our society. Join author Bruce Shuman to explore the challenges and possible solutions in this lively and thought-provoking discussion. A fascinating read for anyone working in the information industry-from library managers and practitioners to faculty and students of library and information science. It is also of interest to researchers and Internet users.

About this title

About the Author

BRUCE A. SHUMAN is Adjunct Professor, Texas Woman's University, School of Library & Information Science, Denton.

Reviews

One of the most common topics discussed in libraries today is the Internet. Patrons either want to know what it is or they already know what it is and they want access to it. Librarians ponder how to access and provide access without losing sight of their institution's mission. In his new book, Shuman (Beyond the Library of the Future, Professional Media, LJ 7/97) discusses these and many other topics related to library life in the Internet age. Although there are many other titles on this subject (e.g., The Role and Impact of the Internet on Library and Information Services, edited by Lewis-Guodo Liu, Greenwood, 2001), Shuman has conveniently gathered together into one volume the most relevant issues: the pros and cons of the Internet, online searching hazards, legal and ethical issues, and what the future might hold. In each section, Shuman presents several quotations reflecting both sides of a topic and then discusses how librarians are dealing with these issues. He also includes a listing of almost 200 online reference resources (from search engines to recommended web sites, organized by subject) for librarians. Shuman's topical approach makes this book useful to librarians when they need to know the key points of an issue. It would also be useful in a classroom setting to facilitate the discussion of relevant real-world situations. Recommended for library science collections. Tim Daniels, Asheville-Buncombe Lib. Syst., NC
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1563088053
• ISBN 13: 9781563088056
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 227