Communicating professionally. 2nd edition
Catherine Sheldrick Ross and Patricia Dewdney.
Library Association, October 1998. ISBN 1-85604-319-3. �34.95. Softback.

This title lives up to its name for it is "A how-to-do-it manual for library applications". Part I covers skills - non-verbal behaviour, listening, speaking, writing etc. Part II has the title of applications. Sidebars provide tips, exercises and did you know? Group work in libraries includes teleconferencing, videoconferencing and electronic discussion groups, and another section covers writing electronically. This is very welcome, but perhaps the third edition could expand these sections. The authors come from North America and have introduced some issues that may need attention in the UK such as cross-cultural communication. Essential for all staff libraries, for trainers, and for anyone working in libraries who wants to move up the ladder. There is good advice for all levels of staff - including the boss!

LISU annual library statistics 1998: featuring trend analysis of UK public and academic libraries 1987-97
Claire Creaser and Jane Scott.
Library and Information Statistics Unit, Loughborough University, October 1998. ISBN 1-901-786-10-2. �27.50.

LISU summarises trends in provision and performance in various UK library and information sectors and includes public, university and HE college library data 1987-1997. There are also data on national, special and school libraries and other miscellaneous statistics. Used by practitioners for benchmarking, identifying trends and planning future developments.

The publicity blurb refers to it as 'a manager's bible', and it seems to live up to its name. In terms of value for money it provides 1296 pages for the �75, and draws upon 65 expert contributors, many who are practising managers. It has undergone considerable revision since the 3rd edition appeared in 1992. A quick check indicated that there was a number of short, but good introductions to the topics included, and references to further reading. No mention of libraries or information services in the index, but it does mention information systems and the Internet. Should be on the shelves of all libraries, and a copy in the senior manager's office could be very useful for quick reference - and continuing professional development. Good value for money.

Managing the electronic library: a practical guide for information professionals.
Terry Hanson and Joan Day, editors.
Bowker-Saur, London, October 1998. ISBN 1-85739-184-5. c�45.

The editors need no introduction to UK librarians, and they have drawn together contributions from a wide range of experts, including Lynne Brindley and Derek Law. It is divided into 12 sections: Introduction, Management issues at campus level, Managing change, Resourcing and budget issues, Management information, Managing the just-in-time library, Managing reference and information services, Managing user education and training, Managing technical services, Managing library systems and technical support, Managing specific electronic services and General case studies. The last section is particularly interesting, providing case studies from 5 universities. Good value for money, and a good read by librarians in the academic sector, and of value to those in other sectors. The experience described in the case studies could be of value in countries moving into the electronic era.

Designing public access systems.
Jennifer Rowley and Frances Slack.
Gower, Aldershot, November 1998. ISBN 0566-080-70-2. �39.50.

The authors have taken the principles of Human-Computer Interaction and applied this to the design of "public access systems - the cash machine, the traveller's information point, information on the Internet, or the computerised library catalogue". It focuses on the needs of the public, and provides guidance for the evaluation of the interface design. Checklists and examples make this a very practical and useful guide. Some good illustrations and examples have been included. Excellent for students and those involved in the design of systems, and the manager trying to keep up with developments.

Nordiskt forum for bibliotekschefer. NORDINFO-konferens... Oktober 1997 Stockholm.
NORDINFO, Helsinki, 1998. ISBN 952-5204-01-4. Not priced.

Although the title is not in English - the papers are, and the contributions cover the fields of the digital library, copyright, scientific publishing in the Internet era, ECMS, and licensing in the academic library. An interesting collection.

Library and information center management. 5th edition.
Robert D. Stueart and Barbara B. Moran.
Libraries Unlimited, Englewood Co., 1998. ISBN 1-56308-593-3 hardback US$ 55. ISBN 1-56308-594-1 pbk. US$ 37.50.

This is one of the standard management texts, and noting that it is the fifth edition is an indication that it has been well received by practitioners and educators. "The authors present the principles of library and information center management in a conceptual framework as they examine the dynamics within organisations, (for example, missions, goals, policies and programmes, people), as well as the external forces, such as users and funding authorities, that encourage change". Although originating from the US the authors expect that it will be of value internationally. It is a good introduction for students and new managers.

Library and information science annual. Volume 6. 1998
Bohdan S. Wynar, editor.
Libraries Unlimited, Englewood Co., 1998. ISBN 1- 56308-609-3. US$ 65 in North America.

The volume provides a critical analysis of library and information science publications published in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It is arranged in three sections: reviews of books and CD-ROMs, reviews of periodicals, and doctoral dissertations. It has an eminent advisory board and the reviews are signed. A useful tool for practitioners to keep up-to-date with new publications, and invaluable for educators when updating reading lists.

Patricia Layzell Ward
Library Link Convenor-in-chief

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