
Information Science
History, Ideas, Applications
Michael Seadle(Author)
Facet Publishing
1st Edition
Published on 18. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-78330-694-7 (ISBN)
Description
What is Information Science? This comprehensive book answers this key question and explains how information science differs from data science and library science.
Using a range of practical examples, the book explores how information science cuts across disciplines and integrates a range of information into a coherent whole. Starting with a historical overview of information science, subsequent chapters explore:
communication tools
information integrity and behaviour
artificial intelligence and data science
information retrieval, curation and non-verbal information
information in technology, education and politics.
A core text for those teaching library and information science as well as practising librarians or those working in information and communication fields, Information Science is an authoritative and subject-defining publication.
Using a range of practical examples, the book explores how information science cuts across disciplines and integrates a range of information into a coherent whole. Starting with a historical overview of information science, subsequent chapters explore:
communication tools
information integrity and behaviour
artificial intelligence and data science
information retrieval, curation and non-verbal information
information in technology, education and politics.
A core text for those teaching library and information science as well as practising librarians or those working in information and communication fields, Information Science is an authoritative and subject-defining publication.
Reviews / Votes
In Information Science, Seadle takes a hitherto unforeseen, and yet a novel and multifaceted approach to discuss the evolution, implications and applications of information as a concept, and information science as a discipline. The discussions, observations and commentaries appearing in the chapters throughout this book are a product of Seadle's rich knowledge, research and scholarship, and senior management experience in the field of information science at national and global levels. This is a must read for anyone who wants to know and understand the role of information in the evolution of our society from the stone age to the modern era of Artificial Intelligence. -- Gobinda Chowdhury, Professor of Information Science, University of Strathclyde and co-author of AI and Information Access This book navigates the universe of information science, brilliantly illuminating all the galaxies (theories) and stars (concepts), and masterfully explains them in a plain and easily understandable way. This book is essential for anyone with an interest in the field of information science. I am rebuilding my Information Management 101 class using this book. I am sure students will love it! -- Lihong Zhou, Professor (Full) and Associate Dean, Wuhan University, China Michael Seadle draws on his extensive background in information science to present an account of how information and its institutions have evolved over time, and why and how information matters now. Drawing together themes of language, culture, technology, and integrity, this work offers readers a framework for understanding the field's development and its ongoing relevance, situating contemporary debates within a broader historical context. -- Heather Moulaison-Sandy, Associate Professor, School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of MissouriMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Reference
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78330-694-7 (9781783306947)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2025
Facet Publishing
€70.49
Available for download

Book
approx. 12/2025
1st Edition
Facet Publishing
€163.42
Not yet published
Person
Michael Seadle has been a Professor at the Berlin School of Library and Information Science at Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, was Dean of Humanities, and was Executive Director of the international iSchools organisation. He has previously published The Measurement of Information Integrity, Quantifying Research Integrity and Educating the Profession: 40 Years of the IFLA Section on Education and Training.
Content
Introduction
Chapter One: A History of Information
Chapter Two: A History of the Discipline
Chapter Three: Information Science Organisations
Chapter Four: Language and Information Science
Chapter Five: Culture and Information Science
Chapter Six: Technology
Chapter Seven: Internet Technology
Chapter Eight: Information Integrity
Chapter Nine: Artificial Intelligence
Chapter Ten: Information Behaviour
Chapter Eleven: Data Science
Chapter Twelve: Non-Verbal Information
Chapter Thirteen: Information Retrieval for Technology
Chapter Fourteen: Information Curation
Chapter Fifteen: Information for Education
Chapter Sixteen: Information and Politics
Summary and Conclusion
References
Index
Chapter One: A History of Information
Chapter Two: A History of the Discipline
Chapter Three: Information Science Organisations
Chapter Four: Language and Information Science
Chapter Five: Culture and Information Science
Chapter Six: Technology
Chapter Seven: Internet Technology
Chapter Eight: Information Integrity
Chapter Nine: Artificial Intelligence
Chapter Ten: Information Behaviour
Chapter Eleven: Data Science
Chapter Twelve: Non-Verbal Information
Chapter Thirteen: Information Retrieval for Technology
Chapter Fourteen: Information Curation
Chapter Fifteen: Information for Education
Chapter Sixteen: Information and Politics
Summary and Conclusion
References
Index