Foundations of Library and Information Science

by Richard E. Rubin, Rachel G. Rubin

Overview

Here is 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838947449
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	08/03/2020
Edition description:	Fifth Edition
Pages:	648
Sales rank:	69,156
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Richard E. Rubin is the former Director of the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University, USA. He has spoken and presented at workshops throughout the United States, primarily on aspects of human resource management, and he has been active in professional associations both nationally and locally, having served as Chair of the ALA Committee on Accreditation. Dr Rubin is the author of numerous publications including four editions of Foundations of Library and Information Science (Neal-Schuman 2000, 2004, 2010), and his articles have appeared in journals including Library Quarterly and Library and Information Science Research.

Rachel G. Rubin is Director of Library and Information Services at Capital University, USA and Councillor-at-Large for the American Library Association. Previously, Rubin was library director for Bexley Public Library and has held positions at Worthington and Columbus Metropolitan libraries. Rubin is a graduate of Carleton College and Kent State University, and she holds a Ph.D. in Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions from Simmons College.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Camila Alire 1. The Knowledge Infrastructure 2. From Past to Present: The History and Mission of Libraries 3. The Library as an Institution: An Organizational Perspective 4. Transforming the Library: The Impact and Implications of Technology 5. Library and Information Science: An Evolving Profession 6. The Organization of Knowledge: Techniques and Issues 7. Information Science: A Service Perspective 8. Information Policy: Stakeholders and Agendas 9. Intellectual Freedom 10. The Values and Ethics of Library and Information Science Appendixes A. Major Library and Information Science Associations and List of Additional Associations B. List of ALA-Accredited Programs C. Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies D. IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994.

Editorial Reviews

"What does it mean to be a library and information science (LIS) professional in 2021? How do our issues differ from those addressed by archivists or knowledge managers or people who work in museums and galleries? What is the body of knowledge that underpins our professional identity? How is it evolving in response to social, political, economic and technological change? What's the latest? Big questions. Fortunately, lots of big answers in this classic textbook, encyclopaedic in its coverage – and heft! ... For students qualifying and qualified, for practitioners, teachers and researchers, this book is a stimulating, informative and reassuring companion. Thoroughly recommended."

Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association

This is an integrated treatment. Rubin concisely and clearly presents numerous lively topics for discussion.

Library Journal

[An] important new addition to the library and information science (LIS) education literature.

Journal of Academic Librarianship

Sound and thorough. Rubin's book will for now be the textbook for MLIS foundation courses...as Victorian travelers once carried their Baedekers, MLIS students will now cart their Rubins.

JASIS

Rubin helps present and future librarians understand the need to respect the past but to prepare for the future.

Library Quarterly

Highly recommended both for use in library schools and for professional reading.

Reference & User Services Quarterly