The Information Society: A Study of Continuity and Change

This edition takes full account of significant developments since 2004. The advanced technologies and systems of a decade ago are falling into disuse; the floppy disk has all but vanished, and the CD-ROM will surely follow. Simple phrases like 'Web 2.0' or 'the social web' conceal rather than explain the significance of the concepts that they embody. As the quantity of personal digitized information continues to grow exponentially, so do both the benefits of exploiting it and the dangers of misusing it. The use of ICT to make government more accessible has to be balanced against the use of technologies that enable the state to be more vigilant or more intrusive, according to one's point of view.
This look at the information profession and its break-out from the traditional boundaries of librarianship will interest all information professionals. It is also invaluable for students on courses in information, librarianship and communications studies, where an understanding of the nature of the information society is an essential underpinning of more advanced work.

John Feather is Professor of Library and Information Studies, and Associate Dean (Research), Loughborough University.