The information lifecycle refers to the series of stages through which information passes — from its creation to its eventual disposal or preservation. It helps organizations and institutions manage information efficiently, ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and compliance over time.
The information lifecycle describes how information is created, shared, and used to support knowledge and decision-making. It has three key stages: creation, diffusion, and utilization.
Creation is where information is produced or recorded for the first time. It includes writing reports, collecting data, or generating digital content.
Diffusion is shared or distributed to its intended users through various channels such as emails, reports, or databases. The purpose is to ensure that the right people can access and use the information.
Utilization is when the information is applied in decision-making or actions. Its value depends on how effectively it is used.
The overall scope of this book is to introduce the reader to descriptive
cataloguing, classification and subject access, which deal with the description of the
physical and the intellectual properties of library holdings. The book presents the prac
tices of bibliographic control and focuses on cataloguing and classification codes and
discusses their evolution and technical details. The different structures of library cat
alogues and the principles they are based on are also analysed.
With step-by-step real-world examples and practice material the book provides a
practical perspective on the topics discussed. Thus, although primarily a textbook, it
serves also as a workbook. This makes it ideal for students of library and information
science and for practitioners who wish to acquire or strengthen practical skills in
cataloguing and classification. Web references are included at the end of each chapter
to help the reader to locate additional information.
This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the
Publisher (other than as may be noted herein).
Rights Notes:
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangement with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions
