Contact:cdent@burningchrome.com
Reiss, E. L. (2000). _Practical information architecture: a hands on
approach to structuring successful web sites. Harlow, UK:
Addison-Wesley.
A description of an approach to managing the creation of corporate web
sites from the point of view of an information architect. Outlines and
describes the steps with examples and indications of areas where there
may be particular hangups. Integrates practical real world know how
with solid understanding of the fundamentals of information
representation.
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This is a well constructed work, for what it is, but I have to
complain about a few things:
At least in these chapters there is a somewhat idealized view of the
client and the labor. Communicating effectively with the people who
want the work and the people who are going to do it is the most
challenging part of the job. Having an elegant method to support
yourself will certainly help in acquiring and exercising authority,
but there's more to it.
These chapters go a long way to affirming the role of information
architect as a marketing tool. It's no wonder there's a rift between
traditional and new info science people. The new folks all want to
professionalize their field so they can make some money. The best way
they've figured to do that is to held the spread of consumerism.
No thank you, I'd rather not. Figuring out how information gathering
works is so people can learn more effectively and take charge of how
they find, filter and use information.
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