Being analog: creating tomorrow�s libraries.
Walt Crawford. American Library Association, 1999. ISBN 0-8389-0754-7. Paperback �22.50

Walt Crawford offers an alternative model to a simplistic digital future. As ever he is outspoken and challenges popular prognostications, asserting that the complex mix of technologies projects no clear path to the future and that people use technology in unexpected ways. Very readable.

The proceedings of a conference held at the British Library in September 1998, sponsored by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) of the Higher Education Founding Councils as part of the Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib). Papers were presented by notable speakers, mainly from the UK. They address some of the main issues of document delivery - concern with people in the process, and the requirements of the process. Useful overview of current thought.

Richard Rubin - an American library educator - has written an excellent textbook that covers the major issues and challenges facing librarians, and the perspective needed to understand problems to be faced in the future. He examines the major issues paying attention to the larger political, societal and economic environment in which libraries and information centres function. Although written for the North American market it will be of value in other parts of the world as a text for first qualification courses. Some 495 pages in length, it is the first introductory text to appear for some time.

This is a basic introductory guide that focuses on how to search, rather than where to search. Some 115 pages in length, it is written in a clear, easy to understand style, and would be helpful for librarians who have to gain search skills quickly, but who do not have the opportunity to attend a short course. Provides search strategies and has a good index.

This is a welcome handbook for administrators and library managers to guide them in the development of policies concerning the use of the Internet. It covers the policy development process, linking the Internet to the library�s mission, physical location, defining acceptable use, prohibited uses and their consequences, filtering, guided use and library policies, and web publishing policies. Checklists and sample policies are provided, and whilst intended for a US readership, has practical value in other parts of the world.

Reports a study carried out in Scotland which investigated the World Wide Web as a means of accessing online courses of study for independent learners. It aims to provide practical guidelines for public librarians. The main areas of concentration are information skills support to public library users, and web-based independent learning materials.

Follows up an earlier report which considered the issues facing library services in London, recommending a development agency be set up to explore new opportunities for developing a strategic London-wide approach to library services, enhancing co-operation and delivering value for money. This report moves further forward and describes the activities such an agency might undertake, including becoming a high-impact, cross-sectoral body representing all types of library in London; advocacy; developing partnerships with organisations outside the libraries sector. Prepared at a time of change in local government in London, it could be a vision document for other parts of the UK at a time of the setting up of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. An interesting document.

This is one of Taylor Graham�s annual reviews. It includes papers which are drawn from around the world. They reflect the side range of issues surrounding the effective delivery and use of networked information, followed by a series of shorter papers on recent initiatives in information networking. Good for students and as a way for practitioners to catch up on the latest developments.

Some readers will recognise that one of the authors is Chairman of MCB University Press and, as he states in the introduction, he made his first �million in publishing. If you want to change your life dramatically, are tired of earning peanuts, would like to have a more successful life etc then the authors provide advice for those who would like to be winners in a competitive world.

This is an excellent collection of papers which includes chapters by Derek Law, Geoffrey Ford, Hazel Woodward, Nancy Elkington and Bernard Naylor amongst other distinguished contributors. Economic constraints, curriculum changes, growing student numbers, electronic and paper-based information have put a higher priority on the successful management of increasingly diverse collections. Recommended for library managers, staff - copies should be in staff libraries - students, and perhaps to be put in the hands of members of library committees to better inform them of the challenges that they face.

A sumptuous, informative report covering an important year in which the British Library moved house. Contains some fine photographs and writing. Well worth reading to be able to revel in a national treasure.

This seems to be a useful handbook for German-speaking one-person librarians. Readers may have noticed requests for sources of information for solo librarians on the Library Link discussion group recently.

A useful handbook for the new manager or one who wants, or needs, to review their understanding of effect teamworking. Thirty contributors were chosen to cover the entire spectrum of aspects of teamworking. Divided into four parts, the first covers teams in an organisational context; the second, explores the nature of teams; the third, the design, building and management of teams; and the final part shows how modern technology can be applied to improve team performance. Has lists of further reading.

This is another practical handbook that, although written for the North American reader, has wider application. It takes the public librarian through the planning process from why you need a technology plan, to developing and managing the implementation process. It sets a number of tasks, has a bibliography, tech notes and workforms. An excellent introduction to the subject for practitioners and students.

This is the proceedings of the Joint Reference and User Services Association and Association for Library Collections and Technical Services Institute held in Chicago in October 1997. It contains papers by such experts as Clifford Lynch, Ken Dowlin, Karen Schmidt and Deanna Marcum among other US librarians. Part 1 is entitled Understanding libraries and their mission; part 2 Understanding user needs in a changing environment; part 3 Understanding �digital� libraries: practical implications; and part 4 Understanding change in libraries: implementation considerations. An interesting collection particularly for the academic library. Useful for students and practitioners.

This reports research funded as part of the Digital Libraries Research programme and will assist librarians developing an Internet policy. It focuses on extremist use of the Internet which needs to be addressed if the whole of society is to gain from the benefits, and, at the same time, be protected from the threats of the new information networks. It contributes to an understanding of the nature and extent of these problems and explores ways in which mis-use can be discouraged and controlled. The report reviews the issues in detail and identifies specific problem areas. Useful for policy-makers, practitioners and students, and of interest both within the UK and overseas. Has an extensive bibliography and footnotes.

Patricia Layzell Ward
Library Link Convenor-in-chief
Upated 10 May 1999

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