The Subject Approach to Information

Book excerpt: The Internet and World Wide Web have made access to information easy but do not solve the problems of finding exactly what is wanted, to the point of overwhelming the reader with information. Since the first edition of this classic librarianship text appeared, the development of computer technology has meant that the organization of information has become a hugely complex area. This fifth edition places emphasis on the intellectual effort required to make meaningful use of the enormous amount of information now accessible to the searcher. Fully revised and updated in comprehensive detail that includes bibliographies, ample examples and quotations, it focuses on: information retrieval systems database access systems online searching and OPACs hypertext networked systems. Foskett describes how we search for information by looking at the problems involved, at the theoretical principles suggested as solutions and their practical realization as classification schemes, lists of subject headings and thesauri. Readership: This influential text is widely acknowledged to be essential reading for all students of librarianship and information management, and an invaluable reference tool for practising library and information professionals.