MICHAEL BUCKLAND is Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of California, Berkeley. He is also author of Library Services in Theory and Context.

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Michael Buckland offers an examination of information systems that is comparative rather than narrowly technical in approach. With careful attention to different meanings of information, Buckland examines the nature of retrieval-based information systems such as archives, databases, libraries, and museums, and their relationships to their social context.

The introductory material examines difficulties of definition and terminology in relation to information systems. There is a systematic overview of the concepts and processes involved in the provision and use of information systems. Buckland's attention to unusual examples, to how different aspects interact with each other, and to how information systems are influenced by their contents and their context yields interesting insights and conclusions which force reconsideration of common assumptions in information science. This volume, with its subject index and bibliography, provides for students and professionals a valuable and readable introduction to this rapidly expanding field.

Résumé
An examination of information and information systems which is comparative rather than technical in approach. Using explicitly defined terms, Buckland interprets the nature of retrieval-based information systems such as museums, archives, libraries and online databases, and their social utility.

Contenu

Preface Introduction Information Concepts Theory Systems Knowledge and Information Information-as-Thing Information in Information Systems Information Technology Access to Information Processes Inquiries Perceiving, Receiving, and Retrieving Becoming Informed: Information-as-Process Information Processing and Representation Demand Providing Information Relationships Connections and Coherence Expertise and Artificial Intelligence Social Context Conclusion Summary and Retrospect References Index