There are many retrieval systems which handle only one phase of the total operation-e.g. a dictionary is a tool for ward retrieval; a library shelf-list aids document retrieval; a technical handbook provides for data retrieval. Some system combines two or more phase. Most stop at document retrieval, and data retrieval-which presents intellectual and technical problems an order of magnitude greater than reference retrieval-is still mainly left to the user. Retrieval systems serve two main functions. One is current awareness-to call to the attention of users newly acquired items of potential interest to them. The other is retrospective search-to provide for a search throughout the whole of a store for items of interest to a particular user. Many existing systems serve only one of these functions, or consists of two unrelated subsystems each serving one function. For example, a library catalogue can be used only for retrospective search, a weekly accessions bulletin only for current awareness. We will see an increasing realization that a system should be designed to serve both functions.

The present book contains the scientific interpretation of various theories and practices of library information retrieval. Topics like Principles of information retrieval; Staff training and development; Staff recruitment and training; Information technology; Information systems in India; Information retrieval services; evaluation and procurement in information retrieval are elaborately dealt in this book.

Computer revolution has overhauled the entire cataloguing and library networking system. Perhaps the earliest on-line cataloguing systems used routinely for production of catalogue cards began in 1970 in the USA.

What is on-line cataloguing? What is the nature and functions of on-line cataloguing? Multi-media resources and on-line cataloguing; Computers in Library services; Cataloguing technologies etc .like issues are interpreted scientifically in this book. Derived from authoritative sources this will prove an ideal reference work.

Of major interest to information professionals and perhaps the most widely known of the WAN developments is the evolution of the Internet, spelled with a capital I. One significant problem with the Internet is that access to it is largely from academic and governmental sites, with still relatively few commercial or business sites. Thus, while academic libraries and many public libraries are accessible via the Internet, many resources such as private special libraries in major corporations are not as yet able to offer their catalogs in a searchable state across the Internet.

The typical university library has access to both host-based resources and distributed computing sites via typical desktop computers or more powerful UNIX-based workstations. This composite of application support reaches beyond the capabilities of any single integrated library system itself. The major topics given elaborate treatment in this book are: Dawn of Library Networking, Computer in Library Networking, Computer in Library Management, Multi Media Libraries, Multi Media Resources, Library Network-Software and Hardware, Terminal Software and Online Cataloguing etc.

During the last ten years, librarianship has developed enormously not only in its traditional areas but also into new areas involving completely new techniques and the uses of the equipment which has been developed to enable more work to get achieved with the minimum of extra manpower. The present title "Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Library and Information Science" has been an attempt to include the terms from all these fields. It is primarily a dictionary of library terms but also includes such subjects as printing, paper making, publishing, binding, illustration and applications of computers to library systems with which a librarian must be familiar for the performing his professional duties. The terms included in this dictionary have been restricted to those of a more fundamental nature and defined simply and without unnecessary technicalities. Wherever necessary, line diagrams have been included to illustrate the terms fully.

This work has been carefully compiled primarily for the use of students of librarianship who have always needed such a book of hand during their studies. It is anticipated that the book will be useful to university, college, public and school librarians besides that it will also find a place on the open shelves in reference libraries.