Description
Book SynopsisThe Internet and World Wide Web have made access to information easy but do not solve the problems of finding exactly what is wanted, to the point of overwhelming the reader with information. Since the first edition of this classic librarianship text appeared, the development of computer technology has meant that the organization of information has become a hugely complex area. This fifth edition places emphasis on the intellectual effort required to make meaningful use of the enormous amount of information now accessible to the searcher. Fully revised and updated in comprehensive detail that includes bibliographies, ample examples and quotations, it focuses on:
- information retrieval systems
- database access systems
- online searching and OPACs
- hypertext
- networked systems.
Foskett describes how we search for information by looking at the problems involved, at the theoretical principles suggested as solutions and their practical realization as classification schemes, lists of subject headings and thesauri.
Readership: This influential text is widely acknowledged to be essential reading for all students of librarianship and information management, and an invaluable reference tool for practising library and information professionals.
Trade Review"Overall this new edition is very welcome. A clear and concise account of the principles and major schemes [of classification and indexing] is invaluable."
-- Education for Information
"The strength of this book lies not simply in its scholarship, but also in its unassuming...easy to read, easy to learn format."
-- Managing Information
Table of ContentsPART I: THEORY OF INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
1. Introduction 2. Features of an information retrieval system 3. Derived indexing 1: Printed indexes 4. Developments in information technology 5. Derived indexing 2: Database access systems 6. Assigned indexing 1: Semantics 7. Assigned indexing 2: Syntax
PART II: PRE-COORDINATE INDEXING SYSTEMS
8. Alphabetical subject headings: Cutter to Austin 9. Systematic arrangement 10. General classification schemes 11. Notation 12. Alphabetical index 13. Organization 14. Uses of pre-coordinate indexing 15. Online public access catalogues
PART III: PRE-COORDINATE INDEXING LANGUAGES
16. Introduction 17. The Dewey Decimal Classification 18. The Universal Decimal Classification 19. The Bibliographic Classification 20. The Broad System of Ordering 21. The Colon Classification 22. The Library of Congress Classification 23. Library of Congress subject headings 24. Shorter lists of subject headings
PART IV: POST-COORDINATE INDEXING LANGUAGES
25. Science and technology 26. Social sciences and humanities 27. Visual art and graphics
PART V: THE FUTURE
28. Digital libraries
