Introduction

Part I of this Handbook – The Context – explores the world within which information professionals work, regardless of who employs them. The reality is one of almost continuous turbulence driven by a confluence of economic, social, and technological forces. On the economic side, the impetus for revenue growth, cost reduction, and increased profitability (i.e., productivity) must be recognized as ultimately and directly affecting both the budgets and focus of information services in a private for-profit company, a government agency, a public library, etc. On the societal front, the speed with which information is being created and shared, with little regard for its veracity, let alone with any regard for intellectual property rights, has created an environment in which there is a dwindling distinction between what is private and what is public, the ownership of information, and the accessibility of trusted information that can help us make good decisions in both our business and our personal lives.