Revised and updated edition of the first textbook - and most widely-used - specifically written to cover the fundamentals of library and information science. Foundations is the most current teaching resource available, covering the practice of librarianship, the place of libraries in the broader information infrastructure, the development of information science, the growth of information technologies, information policy in libraries, intellectual organization of libraries, 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 libraries), their internal functions, and the major organizational issues they face are discussed. And digital libraries and reference, information infrastructure, the Web, UCITA, Homeland Security, revised intellectual freedom policy statements, digital rights management, file sharing, MARC21, metadata, and much more - that are important to our profession. The extensive lists of selected readings have been thoroughly updated. Library and information science students and professionals will find the background and concepts they need to meet today's - and tomorrow's - challenges in this new edition.

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 libraries: public, academic, school, and special.

Reviews

"Rick Rubin's perspective of LIS is positivistic, pragmatic, broad, optimistic, and forward looking."
-- Michelle Cloonan, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College

"It's currently the best available text… The most comprehensive overview of LIS as an introductory text. Dr. Rubin has taken a complex and wide-ranging profession and made it accessible."
-- Kendra Albright, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina

"Many people come to the library and information professions after working in the field for a while, but many don't, so there's no common language or experience to draw upon. For some of you reading this, this will be your first exposure to our world and professional culture. Let me reassure you that you're in very capable hands."
-- -From the foreword by Joseph Janes, The Information School, University of Washington