Will the emerging global information infrastructure
(GII) create a revolution in communication equivalent
to that wrought by Gutenberg, or will the result be
simply the evolutionary adaptation of existing
behavior and institutions to new media? Will the GII
improve access to information for all? Will it replace
libraries and publishers? How can computers and
information systems be made easier to use? What are
the trade-offs between tailoring information systems
to user communities and standardizing them to
interconnect with systems designed for other
communities, cultures, and languages?
This book takes a close look at these and other
questions of technology, behavior, and policy
surrounding the GII. Topics covered include the
design and use of digital libraries; behavioral and
institutional aspects of electronic publishing; the
evolving role of libraries; the life cycle of creating,
using, and seeking information; and the adoption and
adaptation of information technologies. The book
takes a human-centered perspective, focusing on
how well the GII fits into the daily lives of the people
it is supposed to benefit.
Taking a unique holistic approach to information
access, the book draws on research and practice in
computer science, communications, library and
information science, information policy, business,
economics, law, political science, sociology, history,
education, and archival and museum studies. It
explores both domestic and international issues. The
author's own empirical research is complemented by
extensive literature reviews and analyses.
| ISBN(s) : | 026202473X |
| Number of Pages : | 340 |
| Published : | 04/01/2000 |
