Online Information Services in the Social Sciences

Information professionals are increasingly responsible not only for running traditional information and library services but also for providing an online presence for their organisation. This book shows how best practice in delivering online information services should be based on actual user needs and behaviour. A series of case studies provide real life examples of how social science information is being used in the community. The book then draws on these case studies to outline the main issues facing service providers: such as usability, metadata and management. The book concludes with a look to the future and how both technological and organisational changes will shape online information services. - Case studies show how - in practical terms - information science issues relate to users' behaviour - Written by experts in the field, with each chapter drawing on both case studies and extensive experience in the field - Can be used as a detailed reference or an overview