This is a new feature noting titles of interest to information and library professionals. They will receive a longer critical review in Library Management.

The public librarian's human resource handbook: employer rights and responsibilities
David Baldwin.
Libraries Unlimited, June 1998. ISBN 1-56308-618-2. US$30 US$ 36 outside North America.

In a practical, straightforward approach it provides librarians with information about employment law and how it affects them. It describes the principles and processes of human resource management, and legal and regulatory issues. One useful chapter covers 'What to do before you phone the attorney' and discusses violations and potential minefields for employers. Each chapter offers a bibliography and notes. Clearly intended for the US market, it may have value elsewhere in an overview of HRM issues.

Literacy, access and libraries among the language minority population
Rebecca Constantino, editor.
Scarecrow Press, 1998. ISBN 0-8108-3418-9. US$30

This volume addresses the issue of literacy from the viewpoint of immigrant and minority language students. Contributions include: Spanish language literacy and school and community libraries; secondary ESL students' understandings and beliefs about public and school libraries; adult immigrants; the role of the school library. Intended for a North American readership, it might spark ideas in school and public librarians in other parts of the world.

Bibliographic record provision in the UK: measuring availability against demand
Ann Chapman.
University of Bath, 1998. ISBN 0-9516856-5-1. �12 + �3 postage

Reports the findings of a survey of the database of cataloguing records of the British Library National Bibliographic Service. The methodology is described and a section is provided on each of the participating sources.

Information management in the voluntary sector
Diana Grimwood-Jones and Sylvia Simmons, editors.
Aslib, 1998. ISBN 0-85142-394-9. �35 approx.

This is clearly going to be the manager's handbook for information and library services in this sector. It describes the context of the voluntary sector, considers technical and professional issues, and provides case studies. The contributors are distinguished. My only query was that the copy sent for review was paperback - why not hardback for a reference tool that is likely to be frequently consulted?

An investigation into the digital preservation needs of universities and research funders: the future of unpublished research materials
The Data Archive, University of Essex.
British Library Research and Innovation Centre, 1998. ISBN 0 7123 9716 7. Not priced.

This 24 page report describes a study carried out in the UK providing recommendations and guidelines.

Comparison of methods and costs of digital preservation
Tony Hedley.
British Library Research and Innovation Centre, 1998. ISBN 0-7123-9713-2. Not priced.

This study draws on information gathered world-wide concerning cost models, and includes a detailed survey of the literature.

Communicating effectively in the networked library: an investigation into good practice for computer-supported co-operative working
Allen Foster, Philippa Levy and Suzanne Ward.
British Library Research and Innovation Centre, 1998. ISBN 0-7123-97175. Not priced.

The report presents and discusses the findings of research carried out between 1995 and 1997 into electronic communication in academic libraries in the UK. In the concluding remarks the authors state that electronic communication "should complement, rather than substitute for, other forms of communication". Although it was an exploratory study, there are interesting comments which may have wider application. A readable report.

Continuing professional development and career success: is there a causal relationship?
Jane Farmer and Fiona Campbell.
British Library Research and Innovation Centre, 1998. ISBN 0-7123 97183. Not priced.

This reports a qualitative study carried out in the UK. The outcomes demonstrate that CPD activities are considered valuable, although some activities more than others; and that CPD is not the only factor in achieving success. The report should be read by those intending to look for promotion, and by managers and trainers.

Average prices of British academic books January-June 1998
Library & Information Statistics Unit.
Loughborough University, 1998. ISBN 1-901786-08-8. Not priced.

Average prices of USA academic books January to June 1998
Library and Information Statistics Unit.
Loughborough University. ISBN 1-90178609-9. Not priced.

Public library plans: proceedings of a seminar � March 1998
David Spiller, editor. Library & Information Statistics Unit.
Loughborough University, 1998. ISBN 1-901786-12-9. �18.50 post paid UK.

The seminar was held at a time when many new library authorities were approaching their planning round for the first time. The objectives included the reporting of the requirements of the new government department concerned with public library plans; reflection from authorities which had produced draft plans in 1997; and an exploration of the use of performance measures and benchmarking. The papers are given as spoken, but provide some interesting insights into UK experience.

Public library materials funds and budget survey 1997-1999
Library & Information Statistics Unit.
Loughborough University, 1998. ISBN 1-901786-06-4. �22.50 post paid UK.

This reports the annual data collection for UK public libraries.

Patricia Layzell Ward
Library Link Convenor-in-chief

Back to the Books and Journals Index