Information History - An Introduction: Exploring an Emergent Field (Chandos Information Professional Series) [Paperback]

Summary This is a pioneering introduction to the emergent field of information history. It explores how the contemporary values and concerns of our own information society have helped lead to a reconsideration of our history, and of what constitutes our historical understanding of information in the twenty-first century. In Information History, Toni Weller explores the historiography of information and asks how the key schools of thought have explored the concept in terms of its social, technological, economic and cultural understandings. Based on personal experiences, the author also proposes some practical applications of information history in research and university teaching, offering some suggestions as to how the field may develop based on its growth during the last decade. Key Features This is a groundbreaking introduction to the field of Information History. It takes a forward looking approach to the emergence of further LIS departments embracing it in their curriculum, and historians exploring the concept of information an explicit part of their research Takes an interdisciplinary approach - embracing both historical, and information science research and ideology Explores the relevance of Information History to contemporary society Written by a recognised scholar of the field, drawing upon her interdisciplinary background and experience The Author Dr. Toni Weller was educated at Newnham College, Cambridge University, and City University, London, in the fields of History and Information Science. She is an associate lecturer and honourary fellow at City University, London, and also teaches part-time at the Universities of Loughborough and Warwick. She has a particular interest in the theory and practice of information history and in the social and cultural roles of information in nineteenth century England and has lectured and published internationally on both the theory and practice of the field. She is also Chair of the Library and Information History Group, established in 1962 as a special interest group of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Readership The book is aimed at research and teaching staff in all fields of History and Information Science, students of LIS at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and those with a general interest in the history of information and knowledge. Contents Introducing information history - The Information Age; information history in the 2000s; defining information; studying information The relevance of information history - specific skills; general skills; contextualisation; development of the information profession Key schools of thought in information history - library and book history; the history of information systems and infrastructures; the history of information disciplines; cultural and social explorations of information; origins of the information society Information history in practice - research; teaching Looking forward - the next ten years.,closing thoughts

Dr Toni Weller was educated at Newnham College, Cambridge University, and City University, London, in the fields of History and Information Science. She is an associate lecturer and honourary fellow at City University, London, and also teaches part-time at the Universities of Loughborough and Warwick. She has a particular interest in the theory and practice of information history and in the social and cultural roles of information in nineteenth century England and has lectured and published internationally on both the theory and practice of the field. She is also Chair of the Library and Information History Group, established in 1962 as a special interest group of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.