From Gutenberg to the global information infrastructure : access to information in the networked world

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 behaviour 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, behaviour and policy surrounding the GII.

Topics covered include the design and use of digital libraries; behavioural 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-centred perspective, focusing on how well the GII fits into the daily lives of the people it is supposed to benefit.Taking a 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 compelemented by extensive literature reviews and analyses.