Managing children's services in the public library. 2nd ed.
Adele M. Fasick.
Libraries Unlimited, September 1998. ISBN 1-56308-526-7. �33.50 softback.

The second edition of a major text by a North American is welcome. The author writes of the pace of change accelerating, the Internet in the children's library - and the way that funding has not caught up with demand. This is a common situation around the globe, and her text usefully examines the ways in which librarians can manage their service "so that collections and programs reach the intended audience". The first part considers the management of the children's library; the second, its place and relationship within the total library system; and the third covers external relations. It is practical - and readable, and was enjoyed by a non-children's librarian. Clearly it is intended for children's librarians, but it could be essential reading for senior management in public libraries, and members of committees and boards which have responsibility for these services.

The Nordic metadata project: final report
Juha Hakala.
NORDINFO. Rapport 1998:1. ISBN 952-5204-00-6. Not priced.

This 67 page report had its genesis in 1996 when it was not obvious that the Dublin Core would be a success, so NORDINFO started a project. The author indicates that this was a mixed blessing, but that the NORDINFO project has attracted visitors from around the World. As an important grouping, the Nordic participants have been able to influence the Dublin Core development work. The project's URL is: http://linnea.helsinki.fi/meta

Information management in museums. 2nd ed.
Elizabeth Orna and Charles Pettit.
Gower, 1998. ISBN 0566-07776-0. �50.

With the number of libraries having closer links with museums, or having a museum within the library, this new text by an information consultant and a museum keeper provides guidance on how to deliver effective management and presentation of the collections. It discusses what information means in the museum context, and who uses it, and what they want to do with it. It then provides guidance on how to organise the necessary information to help visitors, develop strategies, and make the best of the knowledge and skills of museum staff, and the use of technology. Good for anyone who is operating a museum or who has responsibility for one - and a textbook for the growing numbers of students taking diplomas in this growing field.

Indexing and abstracting in theory and practice. 2nd ed.
F.W. Lancaster.
Library Association, September 1998. ISBN 1-85604-268-5. �39.95.

The first edition of this monograph appeared in 1991, and whilst the basic theories and principles have changed very little, developments in multimedia and the Internet have resulted in new chapters. As one would expect, this is a sound, detailed text which will be invaluable to professionals and to students. The topics probably receives less attention in the curricula of many ILS courses today, but the need for the skills to be developed has increased. It should be purchased by all libraries.

The electronic library. 4th ed.
Jennifer Rowley.
Library Association, September 1998. ISBN 1-85604-149-2. �29.95 paperback.

Previously known as Computers in libraries this text indicates the rate of change in the use of IT, and of the standing of the author. Arranged in three sections: introduction to information technology; information retrieval; and library management systems, it focuses on the environment in which systems operate. She describes the systems and concepts, present the text as being "a strange mixture of the futuristic and the traditional' and comments that the next edition may need to be more revolutionary. This edition can be enjoyed by practitioners and students - whilst looking forward to the next edition. But don't wait for the 5th - purchase and read the 4th - and make sure there are enough copies in the staff library. It would be good for CPD as it provides review questions at the end of each chapter, and reflection points in the text.

Knowledge management: linchpin of change
Sylvia Webb.
Aslib, 1998. ISBN 0-85142 414 7. Not priced.

This 68pp. Pamphlet has the sub-title 'some practical guidelines' and is the latest in the Aslib Know How Series. The aim is to provide guidelines for those likely to be involved in the implementation process and knowledge management operation. It covers questions to be addressed and issues to be considered. Good for students and newcomers to the field as it includes case studies.

Guide to managing approval plans
Susan Flood, editor.
American Library Association, April 1998. ISBN 0-8389-3481-1. �14.50.

The pamphlet has been prepared for the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, and is perhaps timely given the controversy that has surfaced in the US. It provides an introduction and refers readers to other sources. The implementation of an approval plan is described together with strategies for the management and supervision of a plan once it is in place, defines terms, and includes some sample approval plan profiles. A useful guide for those involved with acquisitions.

Becoming a successful intrapreneur
Sheila Pantry and Peter Griffiths.
Library Association, August 1998. ISBN 1-85604-292-8. �13.50.

The sub-title indicates that it is a practical guide to creating an innovative information service and is in the Successful LIS Professional series. Chapters include discussion of the information audit; keeping one step ahead of customers; delivering innovative services; setting and maintaining standards. A good introductory text for newcomers and students.

The Gower handbook of library and information management
Ray Prytherch, editor.
Gower, September 1998. ISBN 0-566-08052-4. �75.

Few professional areas are changing as fast as information management and this text is intended "to provide a link between information professionals and the new world of information-related work." It offers "current best international practice and future developments". The contributors are drawn from Australia and the UK. It is divided into five parts: the context; strategy and planning; the service infrastructure; managing resources; and access and delivery. Useful for new practitioners, and it would have been a good textbook for students to purchase - but the price will put it out of the reach of most students.

Promoting reading to adults in UK public libraries
Margaret Kinnell and Jennifer Shepherd.
Taylor Graham, 1998. ISBN 0-947568-74-3. �22 US$42.

This reports the findings of a research project funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre which examined the ways in which public libraries are promoting reading to adults for leisure, pleasure and informal education. It presents information on current policies and practices, and draws from a range of experts to provide views on the potential for improvement. Detailed recommendations will be helpful to public librarians, and the report will also be of interest to those who are responsible for funding public libraries at the local level.

Digitizing historical pictorial collections for the Internet
Stephen E. Ostrow.
European Commission on Preservation and Access, 1998.
ISBN 90-6984-221-1. Not priced.

The report was originally published by the Council on Library Resources in Washington DC. It addresses the issues that institutions should consider when making large historical picture collections available over the Internet, focuses on the possibilities and limitations of digitising images for the Internet as compared with the publication of digital images on CD-ROM. A practical guide for those concerned with issues of preservation and access in all types of library.

Patricia Layzell Ward
Library Link Convenor-in-chief

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