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Foundations of Library and Information Science, Third Edition
To meet the evolving needs of a dynamic profession, the new edition of Richard Rubin s best-selling text has been streamlined using feedback from faculty, students, and an outstanding Editorial Kendra Albright, SLIS, University of South Carolina; Joseph Janes, The Information School, University of Washington; Michele Cloonan, GSLIS, Simmons College; and Michael Stephens, GSLIS, Dominican University. Rubin observes in his preface, 'Our profession demands constant growth, continuous learning, and very open minds.' Accordingly, this meticulous revision of his landmark text includes a completely fresh discussion of the most current issues and key technological developments in the field. Rubin explores the ever-growing impact of the World Wide Web, the impact of blogs, wikis, and social networks on services, electronic publication including e-books, digital libraries, digital preservation, mass digitization, and digital repositories, and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR). His unique insights into these technologies and their impact on library services, policies, and legal standards are all part of why this book forms the essential foundation one needs to succeed as an information professional. Rubin integrates contemporary coverage with a detailed and accessible account of the fundamental principles of information science and technology, information policy, intellectual organization, and ethical issues and principles across all types of public, academic, school, and special.
471 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
124 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
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March 28, 2018DON'T LAUGH AT ME! I had to read all 600-some-odd freakin' pages of this thing, so heck yeah, I'm putting it on my reading challenge.
I digress. I hate textbooks (who doesn't?), but this was a shockingly easy and interesting read. Would I have ever picked it up if it wasn't required for grad school, no, of course not, but if you're looking at picking this book up for your LIS program or something, just rest assured knowing that it is nowhere near the worst textbook you could be stuck with.
I digress. I hate textbooks (who doesn't?), but this was a shockingly easy and interesting read. Would I have ever picked it up if it wasn't required for grad school, no, of course not, but if you're looking at picking this book up for your LIS program or something, just rest assured knowing that it is nowhere near the worst textbook you could be stuck with.
May 13, 2009
i just realized i dont need this book anymore!! i have read all the chapters i have been assigned, and to the book i say good riddance!! its a textbook, so i wasnt expecting it to be the best book i ever read or anything, but now it is all behind me. its not bad, just unthrilling. i am going to win library school!!!
December 29, 2008
This book was terrible. It sucked. Or at least the ten pages I read of it before I decided there was no reason for me to read the book and that I'd do just as fine in the class by not reading it. I was right, since I got an A plus in the class.
September 11, 2007
Useful if the subject interests you (it will give you foundations and whatnot), but wow -- only three years old and it's hilariously outdated.
December 11, 2012
This book has such potential. It is written in readable, concise, and lucid prose. It presents some genuinely fascinating material, such as the history of the library profession, statistics on the public's media consumption habits, and an analysis of the ethical issues that face librarians.
The book's Achilles Heel is the fact that it is woefully outdated. Despite apparently having been revised for its 2010 3rd edition, most of the statistics come from 2001-2004, or even earlier. The book would be GREATLY enriched by updating these studies and results with modern figures.
However, it's still a great introduction to library science, and I can see why intro classes use it. Here's hoping Rubin can come up with a truly updated 4th edition!
The book's Achilles Heel is the fact that it is woefully outdated. Despite apparently having been revised for its 2010 3rd edition, most of the statistics come from 2001-2004, or even earlier. The book would be GREATLY enriched by updating these studies and results with modern figures.
However, it's still a great introduction to library science, and I can see why intro classes use it. Here's hoping Rubin can come up with a truly updated 4th edition!
May 8, 2008
I've been working my way through this book all semester (it was assigned) and it's been a trek. It's a SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOW read, with some very dated data, such as 1990 survey information about American's use of public libraries. Sometimes, this frustrates me because Pew data would be much more accurate. Rubin makes good use of tables when appropriate.
Most disappointing is that the most interesting information is contained in the first chapter, so you're lulled into thinking the rest of the book will be as thought provoking as the material on the digital divide. You're being set up for a disappointment.
Most disappointing is that the most interesting information is contained in the first chapter, so you're lulled into thinking the rest of the book will be as thought provoking as the material on the digital divide. You're being set up for a disappointment.
March 17, 2013
This was a good textbook for my course of the same name as the book title. The content was adequate (except in one area - see below) and the bibliography for each chapter is very nice to have. I'll probably keep this book even though my course is over.
The only content weakness was in the area of technology. Certainly, it is nearly impossible for any printed book to be current on technology issues. I wouldn't expect it to be. However, this book was revised in 2010 but many technology statistics and citations were from before 2005.
Overall, this is a good foundational overview of libraries and librarianship throughout history.
The only content weakness was in the area of technology. Certainly, it is nearly impossible for any printed book to be current on technology issues. I wouldn't expect it to be. However, this book was revised in 2010 but many technology statistics and citations were from before 2005.
Overall, this is a good foundational overview of libraries and librarianship throughout history.
March 10, 2017
Un libro de texto sobre la disciplina que se conoce actualmente como Información y Documentación, que cubre lo que anteriormente se llamaba Biblioteconomía y Documentación y otras disciplinas como el Comportamiento Informacional, la Gestión del Conocimiento, la Interacción Humano-Ordenador, etc. Es más: es un libro de texto tan básico que se usa en muchos cursos universitarios en Estados Unidos y el alumnado echa pestes porque es árido.
Ahora echo yo pestes de ese alumnado: no me ha parecido árido, sino muy interesante. Entiendo que las partes que hablan de normas legales sean más planas que las que hablan de las últimas tendencias digitales o las disciplinas más punteras, pero abarca tal heterodoxia de contenidos en su interior que decir que es aburrido es como decir que no te gusta leer.
En su contra: es un libro de texto en formato fósil que trata de disciplinas que evolucionan rápidamente a pesar de los esfuerzos políticos y técnicos para que no sea así, por lo que quedará obsoleto en breve (si no ha quedado ya en los EEUU de Trump); también que sea plenamente anglocentrista a pesar de que lo que enseña sea igual en todas partes y cuente con el aval de la Unesco (entre otras organizaciones transnacionales). Finalmente, que no contemple salidas profesionales de estos estudios como la curación de contenidos o la gestión de comunidades.
Aún así, me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba. Es la primera vez que lo paso tan bien en unos estudios universitarios.
Ahora echo yo pestes de ese alumnado: no me ha parecido árido, sino muy interesante. Entiendo que las partes que hablan de normas legales sean más planas que las que hablan de las últimas tendencias digitales o las disciplinas más punteras, pero abarca tal heterodoxia de contenidos en su interior que decir que es aburrido es como decir que no te gusta leer.
En su contra: es un libro de texto en formato fósil que trata de disciplinas que evolucionan rápidamente a pesar de los esfuerzos políticos y técnicos para que no sea así, por lo que quedará obsoleto en breve (si no ha quedado ya en los EEUU de Trump); también que sea plenamente anglocentrista a pesar de que lo que enseña sea igual en todas partes y cuente con el aval de la Unesco (entre otras organizaciones transnacionales). Finalmente, que no contemple salidas profesionales de estos estudios como la curación de contenidos o la gestión de comunidades.
Aún así, me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba. Es la primera vez que lo paso tan bien en unos estudios universitarios.
October 8, 2018
Certainly not the worst textbook I've read. I'll probably hang on to this one for reference purposes. The ethics chapter was extremely bland but the service chapter should be required reading for all librarians. I'd like to read it again when I don't have to read 200+ pages a week.
December 15, 2018
Fairly interesting for a textbook, but like all textbooks way too expensive.
October 15, 2016
Reviewing a textbook..aah the joy..Spending eighty-five dollars for a six week summer session was truly heartbreaking..LOL I love book buying as much as the next girl and had to justify this one internally as that pricetag was killer..but truly honestly I can say that I used this book in every paper and we were assigned every chapter so I got to know “good ole Rubin� as my professor calls him very well…and despite disagreement with my classmates who found his work a little basic and outdated (despite being the 4th edition and just released this year) and those who got more from his articles I was the opposite. Without having the library experience to draw real world working knowledge from I found his simple concise way of explaining very informative and helpful to this particular future librarian..soo yea he is a little out of touch with reality with his notion of radio being as influential and informative to society --radio really? as he states it is, and his mention of Social Q&As was pretty outdated yes and maybe he does still mention some out of date technologies but he is right on trend with a lot/most of his information. I must say I will reference his entire Chapter 2 on Knowledge Infrastructure and the History and Mission of Libraries; Chapter 6 on Knowledge Organization: Techniques and Issues and Chapter 9 on Intellectual Freedom again and again I am sure as they are truly chocked full of great quotes, lessons, strategies and have inspired me tremendously..This book begins with THE best foreword I think I have ever read for a book designed for students..The Foreword by Joseph Janes invites you as the person about to enjoy this text to get ready for possibilities and he speaks of how he is envious of us future librarians for all we about to read and dedicate our lives to..It worked, it was a powerful draw to a profession I have admired since childhood and just the way to start and end my first summer session..I am just ready for ride, doing the hard work and strapped on my seatbelt. I am just ready to live that librarian life and every class just makes that dream a reality…lets go �
November 19, 2019
I had to read this entire book for class. I had never finished an entire textbook for a class before. I have never actually wanted to do so.
Mr. Rubin: I have quoted you so much in APA style this semester that I feel as if I now have a lifelong debt to your book for legitimating every weekly discussion post I posted.
This is a pretty good book as far as texts go. Rubin covers ethics, the history of libraries, the intersection of libraries and information science (literally, bc those can be two different fields), data organization, etc.
A major qualm: I do wish this book had broken the table of contents down into sub-categories so I could more easily find them in the book later. No matter if in your notes you write down the page number you want to refer to later! (I had an ebook, so no dog-earing or analog bookmarking for me)
I chugged through this, and for that reason, I will add it to my 2019 reads. It's literally the reason I stopped reading fiction for three months! Yay grad school.
Mr. Rubin: I have quoted you so much in APA style this semester that I feel as if I now have a lifelong debt to your book for legitimating every weekly discussion post I posted.
This is a pretty good book as far as texts go. Rubin covers ethics, the history of libraries, the intersection of libraries and information science (literally, bc those can be two different fields), data organization, etc.
A major qualm: I do wish this book had broken the table of contents down into sub-categories so I could more easily find them in the book later. No matter if in your notes you write down the page number you want to refer to later! (I had an ebook, so no dog-earing or analog bookmarking for me)
I chugged through this, and for that reason, I will add it to my 2019 reads. It's literally the reason I stopped reading fiction for three months! Yay grad school.
March 26, 2009
So I read this book for my Foundations of Library and Information Science class and I have to say that it's quite enjoyable. Yes, the statistics and data in the book is a bit out of date but it still carries a lot of relevant information such as the history of library science as a profession. For those who are interested in getting to more know about being a librarian, this book is a good start. For those who are interested in knowing why people should support their libraries, this book is a good read.
October 26, 2011
More than likely, now that I own this book, I think I might refer to it over and over to refresh the author's words of guidance contained within. This is a book that will answer everything you want to know about the library profession and then some. To me, this book affirmed my wish to become a librarian and comes complete with guidance on how to obtain the appropriate skill sets needed for working in any type of library or center for information. Easily absorbed, even entertaining...and it's a textbook.
June 14, 2012
Pretty comprehensive textbook.
August 6, 2014
Interesting and easy to read for a textbook
December 9, 2019
A useful introduction to library and information science.
December 23, 2017
Is this a groundbreaking textbook? No. Does it cover everything about a library from the ground up at a basic level? Yes. It's actually readable too, unlike other textbooks. If you already work in a library environment it will be an easy read, covering many topics you already know all about. Still, I found a few gems and actually learned a few new things along the way. Plenty of examples, not too outdated (I have the 2015 edition), and moves along at a quick pace. Great overview of library and information science
April 27, 2020
I was only interested in the bit that talked about graphic novels in libraries and I was pretty let down. Though it was mentioned that graphic novels are quickly gaining ground as academic works and as such will inevitably take their own place in libraries it didn't bother to elaborate on the many different genres/ uses for graphic novels in the academic and public domain. Which would honestly have been more helpful since most people don't know the difference between graphic novels and omnibus collections of comic books.
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September 29, 2021I read the 2020 edition.
Lots of good information. Much I already knew, but I also learned a fair amount, especially from the sections focusing on history and on the organization of knowledge. For a book about an institution that likes to call itself "The People's University," the authors seemed a little invested in justifying and maintaining hierarchies, but not nearly as much as in different textbook I have been reading. It also acknowledges some improvements that could be made as far as equity and inclusion.
Lots of good information. Much I already knew, but I also learned a fair amount, especially from the sections focusing on history and on the organization of knowledge. For a book about an institution that likes to call itself "The People's University," the authors seemed a little invested in justifying and maintaining hierarchies, but not nearly as much as in different textbook I have been reading. It also acknowledges some improvements that could be made as far as equity and inclusion.
June 20, 2018
Basic read for anyone studying to become a librarian. Everything you need to know is summarized in this book. For more in depth-knowledge in certain areas, just check out the source material!
I'm giving it 4 stars because although it's super helpful, it's quite heavy to carry! It's also easily the most expensive book I've ever bought.
I'm giving it 4 stars because although it's super helpful, it's quite heavy to carry! It's also easily the most expensive book I've ever bought.
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September 25, 2022I read this for class in my summer semester, and I analyzed the HECK out of this thing. I’m still quoting it in later classes and I’m keeping the book on my shelves for when I officially become a full blown librarian, so this is counting towards my reading challenge and I want no comments about it thank u
January 17, 2024
I had to read this ENTIRE thing for graduate school. While it's not surprising that I was bored after the first page, because of this monster of a textbook, I honestly can say that this was the most boring book I have read in my life.
I proudly display this book on my shelf as an achievement for physically forcing myself to read the entire thing.
I proudly display this book on my shelf as an achievement for physically forcing myself to read the entire thing.
December 31, 2017
This is a solid introductory book about library and information science. It can be a little dry and I feel like it has more potential but it’s a decent read. Not nearly as boring as some of my other schoolbooks!
May 23, 2018
This text is accurately defined by the title. The author provides a wealth of information about the history, present, and future of LIS. An excellent read if you are interested in joining the field of LIS.
December 6, 2018
This is a nice introductory textbook. In the history chapter I learned about a librarian of history whose name I am sure that I want to use for game characters in the future. Oh, and the information is good.
November 30, 2016
Dry, long-winded and void of examples. Useful in certain areas, but not as many as the subject warrants.
September 23, 2019
A little dull but good to read some history.
Want to read
June 10, 2020Chapter 5
December 9, 2021
Read this for my Foundations of Library and Information Science course.
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