To introduce yourself to the kinds of problems information architects solve, the resources that they consult, the vocabulary that they speak, the tools that they use, and the sites that they build, the Toolbox will be the gear to get your wheel in motion.

Listed below are selected associations, webliographies, and books that will provide a critical path to IA basics. They will lead you exponentially to many other related resources, guides, and examples to follow on the Web and in print.

Argus Center for Information Architecture

Site contains links to Argus' IA Guide, top interviews with leading information architects around the country, an IA newsletter, white papers, pay scales, events, etc. Site geared towards practicing IA's, seeking up-to-date information about the field and towards new users seeking an introduction to the field.

IA Communities in Your Area

Find discussion lists, associations, physical communities, and people.

Jesse James Garrett

Site provides a thorough list of IA-related resources, covering IA, interaction design, navigation, usability, and perspectives from leading design and consulting firms. Provides downloadable graphic files for flowcharts and concept maps. Site geared toward new users seeking basic IA principles, practices, and resources.

Usable Web: IA Subject Guide

Compiled by Keith Instone, a usability consultant and information architect, the site provides an "archival and research-oriented" guide, organized by topics and sites. Contains a list of usability and human-computer interaction (HCI) resources, geared towards HCI experts and Web developers.

To familiarize yourself with the vocabulary, principles, practices, and visions of IA, read through Lou Rosenfeld's Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, for a brief and insightful introduction to the field. (Note: follow the link above to read a sample chapter online for FREE, O'Reilly & Associates)

There are many books about the field, so start with a good list:

Argus Center for Information Architecture

A well organized listing of subject, author, and title indices.

Elegant Hack: IA Reading List

Christina Wodtke, designer and IA, provides a shorter suggested reading list on IA, focusing on the user experience, Web design, and business strategy.