More than 10,000 references for additional, more detailed information!

New topics covered in the revitalized Second Edition:

• Competitive intelligence
• Decision support systems
• Digital library projects
• Electronic records preservation
• Ethical issues in information
• Online library instruction
• Telecommuting
• Software reliability
• The user-centered revolution

Targets new and dynamic movements in the distribution, acquisition, and development of print and online mediau2014addressing recruitment, program planning in the digital era, information management, advances in digital technology and encoding, intellectual property issues, and hardware, software, and database selection and design.

"Encompassing topics providing an excellent overview of the Library and Information Science field, and authored by a roster of highly-respected researchers in the field, the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science contains a wealth of well-written, comprehensive overviews concerning a plethora of LIS-related topics, including both pure library science and pure information science articles. With appropriate sources liberally cited in the bibliographies, this new edition makes an excellent addition to any academic/research or large public library collection."
Vicki L. Gregory
Professor and Director
School of Library and Information Science
University of South Florida- Tampa


"I have used your previous edition and found it a valuable information tool….a tool that every librarian needs for day to day information needs because one finds in a single spot a myriad of library topics. As a manager of a Mexican academic library, this encyclopedia can make a difference to get the background one needs to have in order to make better decision at work."
Jesus Lau
Dean of Information Science and Accreditation
Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez- Mexico


"…a diverse array of timely, useful, and informative essays compiled from a global perspective…indispensable…a must…a unique "archive" of the history of library associations and libraries throughout the world. No other single work features this important information."
Barbara I. Dewey
Dean of Libraries
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville


"The Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, Second Edition is an extraordinarily comprehensive work of geographic, technological, and professional scope. From the Albanian Library Association to the Wayne State University Libraries, from Boolean algebra to voice recognition, and from acquisitions to wireless services in public libraries, this volume covers it all. Edited by Miriam Drake, an icon in the world of libraries and information services, the Encyclopedia will serve as a valuable teaching and reference source for professionals as well as people with only a casual interest in the field. The articles, authored by highly regarded experts in the field, are readable, informative, and each contains sizable bibliographies to more detailed sources of information. The Encyclopedia will be a useful addition to libraries and personal collections, alike."
Ronald Larsen
Dean and Professor of the School of Information Sciences
University of Pittsburgh - Pennsylvania


"Drake's Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science is an authoritative source for consultation and reference for almost any library or information profession related issue. It includes thorough articles not only of traditional professional values and ideas such as intellectual freedom, censorship, rare book collections, and the theory of classification, but also such recent urgent issues as SFX, print-on-demand, metadata and the Open Archives Initiative. ELIS has captured the core body of knowledge of our rapidly evolving profession in a complete, up-to-date, manner that serves the needs of both novice and expert."
Richard Sweeney
Director of Library Services and Activities
New Jersey Institute of Technology- Newark


"…keep[s] pace with the profession as it deals with the challenges of acquiring, organizing, and using digital information. All of the essays covering these topics are very thorough and provide the reader with a clear picture of the major concepts involved with each topic."
Bill Fisher
President, SLA Board of Directors
School of Library and Information Science
San Jose State University- California


"The second edition of the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science will be useful to both the general public and to librarians. An impressive range of topics is covered that goes beyond what is expected to include such topics as "The Future of Primary Records" and "Metadata on the World Wide Web." The articles are written by known experts and strike just the right balance in the amount and depth of information provided."
Sarah Long
Director
North Suburban Library Systems (NSLS)- Wheeling, Illinois


"…I was impressed by the breadth of the topics and the depth of the treatments. As a whole, they show the expansion of our profession and the pervasiveness of technology throughout the field, whether rare books, music, or natural language processing. There is an international flavor to the articles as well. Given the changing nature of the profession, the encyclopedia will be strengthened by its web updates. The keywords will be very helpful maneuvering within the topics covered, especially on the web version. It is a great starting place for traditional and future-directed subjects alike."
Hope N. Tillman
President, SLA, 2001-2002
Director of Libraries
Babson College- Babson Park, Massachusetts


"…the content here is excellent, not surprising given that it is based on a definitive printed work."
Library Journal


"…this edition represents a major improvement over Kent and Lancour and should be bought by every research library…and considered for purchase by most larger libraries….a subscription to the easy-to-use online version is highly recommended to keep library and faculty staff current."
Choice

Preface

The fields of library and information science are changing and growing rapidly. Forty years ago, libraries were about books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Information science, computing, and telecommunications were in their infancies. Today, libraries bring together people and all forms of information. Libraries make information content from various sources available online as well as in print. Many libraries lend videotapes, DVDs, and other media. Public librarians are creating community resources. Corporate librarians are developing knowledge management systems and business intelligence units. Academic librarians are providing valuable instruction to students in information finding, evaluation, and use, as well as expert research to ensure the latest and most reliable information for research and public service programs.

Librarians, information technologists, and information scientists are collaborating to transform inert archives into dynamic digital resources for learning, study, and enjoyment. This collaboration is also working to preserve historical archives for the use of future generations. At the same time, librarians and information professionals are providing value-added online and personal services to customers and clients.

The second edition of the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science (ELIS) updates the first edition, which achieved status as an outstanding reference work. This edition is a compilation of diverse topics representing the digital world in which we live. Topics include database design, intellectual property, user services, and the Internet. Entries also cover the activities of selected national and academic libraries, as well as library and information professional associations.

The online version of ELIS is a dynamic database of full-text articles that include numerous new topics as well as updates of critical articles from the first edition. Through quarterly updates, future online coverage will address all types of libraries and information organizations, as well as content documenting the further evolution of digital libraries and learning resources. In addition, articles will describe exciting practices and applications of information technology.

The talents of numerous people made this work possible. I thank the Editorial Board, especially Maurice Line and Mary Lee Kennedy, who provided recommendations and valuable suggestions. I greatly appreciate Carolyn Hall's patience, support, and suggestions, and the hard work and dedication of Susan Lee, who made my job easier. My deep gratitude goes to my friend Guy St. Clair for his constant support.

Miriam A. Drake