BOOKS

The public librarian's guide to the Internet
Sally Criddle, Alison McNab, Sarah Ormes and Ian Winship. Library Association, London, 2000. ISBN 1-85604-328-2. �19.95 paperback

The title provides the description for it is a basic guide to the Internet written by two members of staff from the UK Office for Library and Information Networking, and two academic librarians. No there isn't a public librarian among the authors but public librarians should not allow this to make them pass the title by. It is an excellent introduction, particularly for the UK. Divided into the three parts, the first explores what the Internet is and how it best be used in the public library providing basic information without patronising the reader. The second section is a guide to some of the best sites of interest to public library staff and users. The third section considers how the Internet can be integrated into public library use and what developments might take place in the future including the impact of government decisions. There is a section on resources for professional use and it is good to see Library Link listed. �20 might seem expensive for a paperback, but consider the cost of a staff training day� then order a copy for use by all your front line staff and encourage them to hone their Internet skills. Could be a good investment and a topic for discussion in the staff room.

Providing materials for library users.
David Spiller. Library Association, London, 2000. ISBN 1-85604-385-1. �29.95 paperback

The author has drawn on 40 years experience of working in public libraries to update the 5th edition of Book selection. Although he is a public librarian the content has application in all types of libraries for staff to have to make decisions about provision. It focuses on the 'key techniques connected with library stock: selection, weeding, logistics and particularly stock revision ...An extraordinary tendency for librarians to lean on suppliers is a symptom of a general malaise. The much-increased staff time given to identifying what users want seems only rarely to be translated into stock provision measures..." He also makes the point that electronic sources still have to be evaluated and promoted, and often selected too. This readable and practical text will be helpful both for students trying to understand how libraries operate, and for those in their first post who need a basic reference tool.

Our enduring values: librarianship in the 21st century
Michael Gorman. American Library Association, Chicago, 2000. ISBN 0-8389-0785-7. US$28 (members $25) paperback

Michael Gorman, noted US university librarian and one-time UK researcher is noted for his stimulating writing - we need writers who can make the profession at large think about what they are doing. The question of values is of particular interest in North America today as the profession is deep in discussion about professional education and 'core values'. This volume discusses 8 core values: stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, rationalism, literacy and learning, equity of access to recorded knowledge and information, privacy and democracy. Good reading for the student and the practitioner.

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