Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology

Abstract

Fhe entries in the Encyclopedia confirm a serious and worldwide phenomenon of the declining numbers of women in information technology fields, including such key areas as computer science, information systems, systems development, and software engineering.

Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology. Ed. by Eileen M. Trauth. Hershey, Pa.: Idea Group, 2006. 2 vols, acid free $445 (ISBN 1-59140-815-6).

Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology is an excellent compilation of information on the history, current status, and future trends in the participation of women in information technology. Fhe intent of the two-volume set is to compile the corpus of relevant gender research literature and to bring this literature into a single reference source. Fhe Encyclopedia has been crafted with a wide audience in mind, including educators, parents, policy makers, managers, scholars, and students.

A few statistics will indicate the scope and quality of Encyclopedia oj Gender and Information Technology. Fhe two volumes feature 213 entries and more than 4,700 references to additional materials. More than 1,450 key terms with definitions are included. Contributions were made by 295 people from around the world who are experts in their respective fields and who are affiliated with high-quality higher educational institutions and other, related organizations. An editor-in-chief with impressive credentials directed this ambitious endeavor over several years, and an international advisory board ensured that there was extensive disciplinary and geographical coverage. A library will receive free institution- wide online access for the life of the edition with purchase of the print set.

Entries in Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology are only a few pages in length and follow a standard format of introduction, background, research, future trends, and conclusions. Scholarly in tone and language, the entries are focused, concise, and well written, but still easily within the reach of people outside the field of gender studies. Each entry includes a long list of references as well as key terms and definitions. Fhe Encyclopedia is straightforward in its organization and has an index of key terms as well as an index and a table of contents. Illustrations are minimal and the text is attractively presented. A small number of entries in the beginning of the volume present an agenda for research on gender diversity in the global information economy.

A search of WorldCat and the Library of Congress catalog revealed that this is the only reference work of its kind. Fhere are many encyclopedias available on information technology. Likewise, there are a number of offerings dealing with issues related to gender and gender studies but none that address both areas. Not only does Encyclopedia oj Gender and Information Technology fill a gap in the literature, but it also confronts a significant and timely topic that has long-term implications for the future of women as well as for global economic development. Fhe entries in the Encyclopedia confirm a serious and worldwide phenomenon of the declining numbers of women in information technology fields, including such key areas as computer science, information systems, systems development, and software engineering. Entries also consider such diverse issues as: differences in how women communicate using computers; implications for online education; participation in and use of interactive games, e-health, and e-government; and the interplay between gender and other diversity characteristics. Most importantly, the Encyclopedia highlights a full spectrum of economic, social, and human rights issues that are a consequence of not having access to information technology in the 21st century. Rather than relying on anecdotal evidence, the information presented in the entries is based on a foundation of rigorous research methods and scholarly literature. Conclusions to the entries point to the need for more research and should also serve as a call to action for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the information technology industry itself.

Encyclopedia of Gender and Information Technology would be a useful addition to the collections of many types of libraries. It would serve as an excellent starting point for further research, and the price is quite reasonable. It is most appropriate for academic libraries and libraries that serve government agencies and nonprofit organizations that deal with women's issues, economic development, developing nations, international trade, and education and training.-Sara Anne Hook, Professor and Associate Dean, Indiana University School of Informatics, Indianapolis