An information retrieval system is a device interposed between a potential user of information and the information itself. For a given information problem, the purpose of the system is to capture wanted item and to filter out unwanted items.

This book contains highly rich reading derived from various authentic sources. Basic principles and methods of information retrieval are thoroughly analysed. Introduction; retrieval; Retrieval tools; Probabilistic retrieval; Information retrieval languages; Patterns of retrieval systems; Information science; Retrieval in online cataloguing etc., are the major themes given competent treatment in this book.

Public libraries have a wealth of resources on which they can draw, both external and internal, to achieve efficient services and good training practices. These include their own staff, with specialist knowledge and skills, which can be used on internal programmes and courses and local authorities' personnel departments, which can help with general principles and guidance. This book contains highly useful information derived from diverse authoritative sources covering major topics like - introduction; library systems and leadership; periodical listing and accessioning; multimedia catalog; library administration; public library training; technical support systems; future libraries etc.

Undoubtedly, this will prove of utmost use to the readers.

With the advancement of computer technology and under the impact of information technology revolution the entire scenario of library science has undergone drastic changes. The sophisticated magnetic media and the silicon chip brought about a major break-through in the storage of data and information.

Role of computers in library science is thoroughly assessed in this book. Information gathered in different chapters like-advancement of computer technology; multimedia libraries; library media; multimedia catalog; online computer service; technical services; information science; modern library; new directions for the library; bibliographic software etc. will be of utmost use to the readers.

Automation refers to the application of machinery to perform work that would otherwise be done by human beings. Therefore, the use of photocopiers, facsimile machines, and (in bygone days) typewriters in libraries could technically fall under the rubric library automation. Currently, however, library automation is generally understood to refer to the use of computers, computer networks, or CD-ROM.

Serials automation covers several distinct concepts, including automating serials control procedures in libraries, the electronic journal, automating bibliographic access to serials, and, automated vendor services. Some of these topics have been dealt with wholly or partially in this book. Major issues dealt exhaustively in this book are: Serials automation; Development of serials automation; Serials processing in libraries; Collection management of serials; Direct service to the user; Journal articles on CD-ROM; The serials format; Citation analysis etc.