This title provides a detailed and insightful discussion of basic retrieval tools. This third edition of a modern classic continues to articulate the theory, principles, standards, and tools behind information organization. As with previous editions, it begins with strong justification for the continued importance of organizing principles and practice. Following a broad overview of the concept and its role in human endeavours, the authors provide a detailed and insightful discussion of such basic retrieval tools as inventories, bibliographies, catalogues, indexes, finding aids, registers, databases, major bibliographic utilities, and other organizing entities; and subsequently trace the development of the organization of recorded information in Western civilization from 2000 to the present. Standards of codification (MARC, SGML, and various DTDs), controlled vocabularies and ontologies, and Web 2.0 technologies are but a sample of its extensive topical coverage.This edition includes: restructured and expanded sections on metadata (description, access, and access control) and subject analysis; significant revisions to sections dealing with indexing and abstracting, systems and system design, and authority control (especially FRAR. ); and, improved coverage of archives and archival finding aids, museums and galleries, and digital libraries.Still this is the title of choice for students and professionals eager to embrace the heritage, immediacy, and future of this fascinating field of study.