Perspectives of public library use 2: a compendium of survey information
Library and Information Statistics Unit. LISU, Loughborough University, 1999. ISBN 1-901786-14-5. Softback. �75 including postage and packing; �80 overseas.

LISU and Book Marketing Ltd have combined to gather information from a wide variety of local and national research studies, to provide an up-to-date picture of public libraries and library use in the UK, as well as to highlight the breadth and depth of research being undertaken in the sector. Essential for public libraries in the UK and a source of comparative data for public libraries outside the UK.

The volume illustrates what is being done in public libraries today and demonstrates the importance of the public library in multicultural integration. It covers a wide range of topics including the elderly immigrant, the Finnish minority and the Samis in Sweden to databases and the Internet, from historic times to today, and into the future. Essential reading for public librarians anywhere, and those who have an interest in multilingualism, cultural integration and multicultural activities in libraries and schools.

Provides guidance and advice on how to facilitate the complex changes that are required to build learning into the system so that it actually starts to make a difference. Includes contribution from practitioners in business. Provides a readable account for library and information service managers.

The first edition received good reviews for its practical and reliable guidance. The message that Liz provides is that successful knowledge management depends on knowledge in human minds, expressed in effective action, fed with appropriate information, and supported by the right blend of IT and systems. Case studies from Australia, Singapore and the UK support the principles set out. A handbook for workplace or special librarians and students, it will also be of value to public and academic librarians. Given the international nature of the case studies, it will be of benefit in many countries. Highly recommended.

Drawing on the US literature Mason presents a selection of papers published between 1973 and 1996 which outline the different forces affecting libraries and explain how and why librarians must manage external change. Sections cover the political context, innovation, economic issues, the impact of technology and intellectual freedom.

Although UK students have severe financial pressures, an investment in this small volume is advised. It provides very practical guidance and can be read with benefit by anyone in the information or library career from the time they enter a professional course of training. For anyone wanting to brush up her or his skills before considering a change of post - this is the volume to consult, particularly if you haven�t been in the job market for several years. Library managers - add it to your staff collection.

An authoritative guide to the principles and practice of archives management in private and public sector organisations which has been substantially revised. It provides detailed advice on changes in national and international standards. It considers the history, definition and current functions of archives, staffing and resource issues. It includes chapters on computing and user issues such as rights of access, freedom of information, security and data protection standards.

Takes 15 issues - from corporate culture to personal development and then considers over 200 of the most important publications, providing for each a short biography of the author, a summary of the book, 5 brief quotations, 5 lessons for managers, a glossary and a critical review. A useful deskbook for library and information service managers.

The aim of the authors is to help the reader to become a catalyst for productive change. It opens with a quiz designed to identify existing strengths and weaknesses, and then explores the key elements of leadership. Working through the text and related material will provide the mental technology needed to apply creativity to maximum effect. Practical and stimulating and suited to independent learning.

One of the How-To-Do-It Manuals from Neal-Schuman it has been written by the staff of the Mid-Hudson Library System to enable other libraries and archives to take control of their Web site expansion. It provides clear instructions for mounting a relatively advanced virtual library within a short period of time at a low cost, and even with an initially under-trained staff. It assumes that readers have some familiarity with Web site development, and covers the nuts-and-bolts stressing the administration, content and policymaking components.

Brings together 26 chapters on key topics in management, written by experts in their field. It provides underlying theory, diagrams, bullet lists, case studies and examples. End-of-chapter checklists offer revision aids, and further reading lists direct the reader to more in-depth study. There are 3 main sections - managing yourself, managing other people, and managing the business. Very helpful for new managers.

The survey studies the borrowing of adult fiction at three large public libraries in October 1998. It investigates the impact of borrowing upon the 400 users interviewed and six reasons for borrowing - for pleasure, hobbies, a practical purpose, job, study or personal learning.

In order to keep libraries growing, library advocates must play what Craft describes as �the funding game�. She presents various examples of library advocacy and cites a variety of community inputs so that library managers, board members and friends will have a better insight into possibilities for their own library�s funding advantage.

This report provides a synthesis of the UK�s Joint Information Services Committee/National Preservation Studies on the preservation of electronic materials. A readable and well-presented document of interest to all librarians and archivists.

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