Disaster and after: the practicalities of information service in times of war and other catastrophes.
Paul Sturges and Diana Rosenberg, Eds. Taylor Graham, 1999, ISBN 0-947568-7-8, �25. Paperback.

The proceedings of a conference organised by the International Group of the Library Association containing papers from a number of countries. It provides a valuable record of the experiences of floods, civil conflict, war, occupation, earthquakes and fire. The work of the relief agencies, and an holistic approach to management at a time of disaster, are discussed. Disaster can strike anywhere, at any time, and preparedness can minimise the effects upon services, staff and users.

A survey of library services to schools and children in the UK 1998-99.
Claire Creaser. LISU, Loughborough University, 2000, ISBN 1-901786-25-0, �27.50

This is the tenth report on the annual survey of library services to schools and public library services for children. In the public library sector there has been an increase in expenditure on books and other materials in many services. The provision of materials other than books continues to increase, while book issues have fallen. School library services continue to suffer with widespread cuts in expenditure, staffing and stock.

African journals: an evaluation of the use made of African-published journals in African universities.
A.A. Alemna, Vitalicy Chifwepa and Diana Rosenberg. Serial no. 36, Department for International Development, London, 1999, ISBN 1-86192-157-8, free of charge, e-mail [email protected]

Reports a study commissioned by the DFID. Data were collected for the years 1996-8 on the use made of African-published journals. The findings point to the difficulty of access. With the growing use of the Internet it was felt that if journals emanating from Africa were not published online, then they would be less used.

Getting books to school pupils in Africa
Diana Rosenberg, ed., Serial no 26, Department for International Development, London, 1998, ISBN 1-86192-051-2, free of charge, e-mail [email protected]

Provides a series of case studies from Ghana, Tanzania, Mali, South Africa, Mozambique and Kenya. The conclusions include the need to train teachers to teach with books and equip them to involve pupils in the learning process; the need for support at Ministry, school and modality level; to provide access to books; classroom libraries seemed to be the most cost-effective way to provide access; the important role of NGOs; the modalities examined depending on donor-support - none were self-sustaining.

Reading the mind of the organization: connecting the strategy with the psychology of the business
Annamaria Garden, Gower, 2000, ISBN 0-566-07998-4, �50.

The author applies the principles of psychology to the modern company presenting a range of issues such as identity, image, strategy and work design in one cohesive framework. It aims to provide a clear understanding of how to �read� an organisation, revealing the underlying perceptions held by customers and staff. Could be of interest to public sector organisations in times of accountability.

Web wisdom: how to evaluate and create information quality on the Web
Janet E. Alexander and Marsha Ann Tate, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999, ISBN 0-8058-3123-1, �13.50. Softback.

Addresses the key concerns of Web users and Web page authors regarding reliable and useful information on the Internet. The authors introduce critical evaluation principles and present the theoretical background necessary to evaluate and create quality information on the Web. Includes illustrations, checklists, discusses copyright, and provides a glossary of terms and bibliography. A useful introduction.

Accounting for librarians and other not-for-profit organizations. 2nd edition.
G. Stevenson Smith, American Library Association, 1999, �65.50.

Written for the US market it nevertheless provides a very practical introduction to a topic that is generally not covered in any depth at library school. Essentially as basic text it provides exercises - and answers. A useful volume for the upwardly mobile middle manager.

Dictionary of multimedia: terms and acronyms. 1999 edition
Brad Hansen, Fitzroy Dearborn, 1999, ISBN 1-57958-084-X, unpriced

A dictionary covering the terminology of multimedia of particular interest to librarians and information managers for the technical vocabulary written in a way that can easily be understood.

Exploring science in the library: resources and activities for young people
Maria Sosa and Tracy Gath, eds, American Library Association, 1999, ISBN 0-8389-0768-7, US$ 32. Paperback.

Co-published with the American Association for the Advancement of Science it is intended to help teachers and librarians integrate new resources of science in the K-12 curriculum. It demonstrates how librarians can assist teachers by making books available and getting involved in project work, discussions, and providing resources for curriculum development. A practical guide which includes fund raising and grant writing. Clearly intended for the US market, the principles have application in other countries.

Managing for results: effective resource allocation for public libraries
Sandra Nelson, Ellen Altman and Diane Mayo, American Library Association, 1999, ISBN-08389-3498-6, US $45. Softback.

This volume has been prepared as a companion volume to the Planning for Results series, enabling librarians to allocate resources to ensure that the library fulfils its aims and community needs. To do this it must effectively manage four key resources: staff, the collection, technology and the facility itself. An essentially practical guide, it includes guidelines and forms. Intended for the US market, it has application in other countries.

International network of public libraries

1. Organizational change: a case study Nicola Campbell and Sue Sutherland Strategic management for better customer services in public libraries Kay Poustie
2. Quality management in public libraries Ute Klaassen and Chris Wiersma Adjusting the product: the tools of marketing Thierry Giappiconi
3. Product-oriented management in public libraries Arend Flemming
4. The organization, performance, and cost accounting system of the Paderborn City Library Dieter Kranstedt and J�rg Wiemers
5. Fundraising: alternative financial support for public library services Madeleine Aalto and Trevor Knight
6. The role of the public libraries in the media society Connie �ng Electronic media and the evaluation of its use: model solutions for changing and challenging times Robert E. Cannon

Scarecrow Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8108-3576-2 (vol. 1); 3577-0 (vol. 2); 3578-9 (vol. 3);
3579-7 (vol. 4); 3580-0 (vol. 5); 3581-9 (vol. 6), paperback, 6-volume set US $111.00

This interesting collection of paperbacks represents the outcomes of the work to date funded by the Bertelsmann Foundation. The project has brought together 16 experts from 10 countries to work on future-oriented library issues. The key issues that the group is considering are: new technologies, organisation, business tools, customer orientation, innovation and the future, and libraries and government policy.

Managing infotech in school library media centers
Laurel A. Clyde, Libraries Unlimited, 1999, ISBN 1-56308-724-3, US $32 $39 outside North America. Softback.

Provides an overview of the management and use of information technology in school library media centres showing librarians how to prepare effective and workable IT plans, and manage technology to meet the needs and goals of their schools. Explores the many possible applications of IT, emphasising how it can meet user needs and enhance the performance of the school.

Adaptive technology for the Internet: making electronic resources accessible to all
Barbara T. Mates, American Library Association, 1999, ISBN 0-8389-0752-0, US $36. Softback

With an emphasis being placed on accessibility, social inclusion etc. this volume provides information on the adaptive technologies that can ensure that electronic resources are as available to people with disabilities, as to other members of the community. It describes screen readers, Braille screens, voice recognition systems, hearing assistance devices and HTML coding for accessibility. In addition it covers infrastructure issues such as funding and staff training.

Bare bones young adult services: tips for public library generalists. 2nd edition
Rene� Vaillancourt, American Library Association, 1999, ISBN 0-8389-3497-8, US $30. Paperback.

This is a hands-on guide to the philosophy of young adult services intended for those which do not have a full-time Young Adult Librarian. It provides practical ideas on such topics as: staff/teen interaction, readers� advisory services, effective use of the Internet, co-ordinating homework support with schools and parents and strategies for dealing with troublesome behaviour.

Books, bytes and bridges: libraries and computer centers in academic institutions
Larry Hardesty, ed. American Library Association, 2000, ISBN 0-8389-0771-7, US $48. Paperback.

Explores the partnership between the computer centre and an academic library considering strategies and models that work best for developing and maintaining a successful alliance. Provides experiences and insights drawn from US academics and academic librarians.

Patricia Layzell Ward
Library Link Editor
Updated 25th February 2000

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