For immediate release | February 6, 2026
A core text for teaching Information Science
CHICAGO — What is information science? Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “Information Science: History, Ideas, Applications” answers this key question and explains how information science differs from data science and library science. Using a range of practical examples, Michael Seadle 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, this book also explores:
- communication tools;
- information integrity and behavior;
- artificial intelligence (AI) and data science;
- information retrieval, curation, and non-verbal information; and
- information in technology, education, and politics.
Seadle has been a Professor as well as Dean of Humanities at the Berlin School of Library and Information Science at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and was previously Executive Director of the international iSchools organization. He was editor of the peer-reviewed academic journal Library Hi Tech from 1997 to 2016. His previous publications include “The Measurement of Information Integrity,” “Quantifying Research Integrity,” and “Educating the Profession: 40 Years of the IFLA Section on Education and Training.”
Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at editionsmarketing@ala.org.
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