The Handbook of Information Systems Research

This is a welcome title to the work in information systems research. Actually there is very little current information in this increasingly important area. As the authors state in the preface, the momentum to compile such a book had its origins in their need to prepare appropriate [content] for a graduate level course they were to teach. Like most instructors, you quickly become more expert about the subject as soon as you have to prepare course [content]. Instead of republishing previously released works, the authors conducted a survey and invited updated papers in the seminal areas that emerged as most critical for an overview of the subject. The field of Information Systems research is specializing like other areas of information technology but the applications are very widespread and this volume suggests some trends in these areas. Even though we do not usually review textbooks in this column nor encourage them to be added to library collections because of their short lifespan, this book is an exception to such criteria. Due to the fact that there is no other compilation of this magnitude that brings together and evaluates this increasingly multi-disciplinary field, I suggest that this book finds a home in all academic libraries where information systems research has a presence, and that includes engineering, computer science, social sciences and management programs. The bibliographies are thorough and span the traditional core literature as well as suggest newer contributions. Layout and presentation also suggest that it will make a very readable textbook and is priced accordingly." – E-STREAMS, Volume 7, No. 4, April 2004

"The Handbook (of IS Research) should be required reading for every doctoral student in this field. Of particular note is the chapter on "extemporary works" which will lay the foundation for students preparing for doctoral research and the establishment of a research stream. With chapters by leading scholars in IS covering a broad spectrum of issues, this handbook can be used equally of referent, as well as for introduction to scholarly process in IS. Important topics include quantitative and qualitative research, globalization issues as well as rigor and relevance." – Martha Myers, Kennesaw State University, USA