Books published by Facet Publishing

Imagine a records management (RM) future where the user community collectively describes the value and properties of a record using the wisdom of the crowd; where records retention, description and purpose are determined by their users, within general boundaries defined by the records manager. It may sound far-fetched, but could represent a way forward for managing records. It has never been more apparent that RM as traditionally practised will soon no longer be fit for purpose. With the increasing plurality of information sources and systems within an organization, as the deluge of content increases, so the percentage of the organization's holdings that can be formally classed as records declines. In the Web 2.0 world new technology is continually changing the way users create and use information. RM must change its approach fundamentally if it is to have a role to play in this new world.This provocative new book challenges records managers to find time amidst the daily operational pressures to debate the larger issues thrown up by the new technological paradigm we are now entering, and the threat it poses to established theory and practice. A range of stimulating ideas are put up for discussion: why not, for instance, embrace folksonomies rather than classification schemes and metadata schemas as the main means of resource discovery for unstructured data? Adopt a ranking system that encourages users to rate how useful they found content as part of the appraisal process? Let the content creator decide whether there should be any access restrictions on the content they have created? This is a thought-provoking book which questions received wisdom and suggests radical new solutions to the very real issues RM faces. Every records manager needs to read this challenging book, and those that do may never think about their profession in quite the same way again.

Celebrates and acknowledges the contribution Professor Peter Brophy has made over a career spanning 37 years to the field of library and information studies. Reflecting on his work, this title offers strategies for the future direction of library and information services in the virtual era.

LCSH are increasingly seen as 'the' English language controlled vocabulary, despite their lack of a theoretical foundation, and their evident US bias. This title features topics including, background and history of LCSH; subject heading lists; structure and display in LCSH; form of entry; application of LCSH; document analysis; and, main headings.

Tomorrow's LIS professionals will have to be conversant with all the tools and techniques for organizing information in different domains - from the traditional library shelf to full-scale digital libraries. This core text covers the organization of the entire spectrum of information, and the principles, tools and techniques needed to do this effectively. The most up-to-date textbook yet available on this subject, this comprehensive book covers everything from traditional cataloguing and classification through to metadata, information architecture and the semantic web. Written by experienced academics in the area, who have authored several other successful textbooks, this book provides both an overview of the whole field of information organization and an easy-to-understand introduction to each of the individual topics, which can be followed up with further study by following the references at the end of each chapter.The chapters cover: organizing information - what it means; organizing information in different non-library environments; cataloguing; bibliographic formats - MARC21 and others; library classification; subject heading lists and thesauri in information organization; organization of internet information resources; metadata; markup languages; ontology; information architecture; the semantic web; and, information organization - issues and trends. A key student text for all information and library studies courses, the book is also valuable for practising LIS professionals who need to gain an understanding of the various tools and techniques required to master information organization.

Every profession needs an introductory text to its core body of knowledge. This brand new, definitive text from renowned authors Gobinda Chowdhury, Paul F. Burton, David McMenemy and Alan Poulter provides an introduction to librarianship for students and new entrants to the profession. This handbook is the first to give a complete overview of all aspects of professional librarianship in the 21st century, and to offer an up-to-date, authoritative analysis of modern libraries and librarianship. The key areas covered are: libraries and information services: evolution or revolution; information resources and services; information organization and access; library and information users and society; library technologies; library and information management; and, LIS education and training. Each chapter in this user-friendly text features clear learning aims and objectives and a list of revision questions to test and consolidate knowledge and understanding. Mapping onto course content for library and information studies internationally, this handbook is a single source of introductory explanations of library and information concepts for the student. It is also the quintessential primer for new professionals.

Social, cultural and technological developments are revolutionizing library services. The way ahead for the profession is now generally seen as a practical blend of traditional and electronic materials with integrated support services which fit seamlessly into users' normal ways of working. This is leading to a fundamental rethinking of the role of the library in society. Drawing on the author's recent research, this timely second edition of "e;The Library in the Twenty-first Century"e; offers a clear new model of how traditional and electronic sources can co-exist in the library of the future, building on the previous work by focusing on the library as a vehicle for encouraging creativity as well as a provider of information resources. It is now commonplace that libraries have a major role to play as expert intermediaries, helping users to gain access to the tools needed for effective acquisition and use of information, within the broader context of the networked information world.But it is beginning to be recognized that they still have a profounder role within their communities, and this book emphasizes that beyond the intermediary role is the vital requirement to promote understanding and engagement. Written by one of our most experienced librarians and drawing on a range of international research and development experience, this authoritative work offers the following topics: libraries in the modern world; the view from the sectors; cross-sectoral models; the profession's view; digital libraries; what is a good library?; linking users to resources; beyond the intermediary; the library user; and, the information universe.This incisive text, supported by an extensive glossary and bibliography, proposes a practical agenda of issues for the information profession to tackle, and is essential reading for both established library practitioners and LIS students, as well as for library managers and administrators across all sectors. Peter Brophy, BSc HonFCLIP FCLIP FRSA FHEA is Professor of Information Management in the Department of Information and Communications at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he is also Director of the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM).

Effective leadership is key to the future of information services and professional practice, and demands on leaders within the sector are greater than ever before. Leadership skills are required at all levels of the profession, from the top, through to professional staff called upon to lead a team or to take a supervisory role. To meet these challenges, individuals must develop their leadership capacity. This book invites information professionals across the sector and at different stages in their career to reflect on and engage with the development of their leadership role and contribution. Using theoretical concepts and models, coupled with practical tools, this book encourages readers to think about their own leadership and the leadership provided by others around them as the basis for continuing improvement in management and professional practice. No other book offers such a comprehensive and topical perspective on leadership in the context of the information services and the wider information industry. Contents include: challenges in leadership; knowing yourself as a leader; leadership in context; promoting change, innovation and creativity; leading people; setting direction and strategy; leadership development; and influencing others. It has a range of features, including learning objectives, chapter summaries, reflection points, review questions, case cameos and recommendations for further reading, encourages and facilitates engagement and reflection. This book is a must have for information professionals and aspiring leaders seeking to understand leadership and to develop their own leadership practice, as well as the leadership potential in others. It is also a valuable professional education text.

Many organizations are moving away from managing records and information in paper form to setting up electronic records management (ERM) systems. There is a range of reasons for this: economic considerations may be the driver for change, or government policy initiatives may be coming into play. Whatever the whyfor in your organization, this book provides straightforward, practical guidance on how to prepare for and enable ERM. It sets out and explains the issues organizations need to consider in selecting a system, and the procedures required for effective implementation. Help is also given with the complexities of managing hybrid records during an interim period between paper and electronic record management.The book is divided into three main parts covering the preparation for ERM, and its design and implementation. The key areas covered are: the underlying principles; the context; making a business case for ERM; the main issues for design; the information survey; the file plan; appraisal methodology; preservation; access; the main issues for implementation; project management; procurement; change management; training; the future of information management. This essential guide should be on the desk of any library and information professional, records manager, archivist or knowledge manager involved in planning and introducing an ERM system, whether in a public or private sector organization.