The Handbook surveys the complete process of community network planning, developing partnerships, funding, marketing, content, public access and evaluation. The author points out that a few community networks are library projects, or the library is a major partner. But he indicates that often a community network project may not have information expertise available from local libraries. This is a practical volume based on experience of running South Carolina�s MidNet, and it is stressed that while managing a network requires a major commitment of resources requiring significant funding, librarians can contribute at a number of levels. Written for the North American market it nevertheless has much good experience to pass on to librarians elsewhere.

Another excellent tool for public librarians. It is a compilation of public library authorities� recent spending results, together with budgets for 1999-2000. It covers all the key components which affect, and are affected by, budgetary changes including total library expenditure, materials expenditure and staff, service points and opening. Data are given for 1997/8 actual expenditure, the 1998/9 original estimates, the 1998/9 actual and 1999/2000 estimated for the whole of the UK.

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