Introduction to Information Science and Technology

This guide to information science and technology — the product of a unique scholarly collaboration —presents a clear, concise, and approachable account of the fundamental issues, with appropriate historical background and theoretical grounding. Topics covered include information needs, seeking, and use; representation and organization of information; computers and networks; structured information systems; information systems applications; users perspectives in information systems; social informatics; communication using information technologies; information policy; and the information profession.

Introduction to Information Science and Technology was written by ASIST member volunteers using a dedicated wiki to present their expertise and perspectives, under the guidance of editors Charles H. Davis and Debora Shaw. All contributed material was reviewed, approved, and interlinked by the editors and subject experts. Planned for periodic print publication, the book is designed to serve as an introductory text for students in the field, while the wiki offers ASIST members an opportunity to share their knowledge and continually refresh, enhance, and expand the book s coverage.

The editors have done a remarkable job of integrating the expertise of a wide range of interdisciplinary contributors to this collaboratively written, comprehensive introduction to information science and technology. The book is a model of clarity, systematization, and sensible conceptual and theoretical simplification that should make it an indispensable textbook for students and information professionals alike. --W. Boyd Rayward, emeritus professor, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois

The result of a unique collaborative effort, this book should be equally valuable as a textbook and for self-study. It offers a readable overview of key topics, supplemented by a glossary and well-selected lists of references for further study. --Linda C. Smith, associate dean, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Extremely well-written collaborative work by some of the current gurus of information science and technology! [This is an] easy-to-read text compiled from ongoing scholarly discourse that will enhance students' grasp of the extensive assortment of information science and technology concepts. --Melanie J. Norton, author, Introductory Concepts in Information Science, Second Edition