Technology and Management in Library and Information Services

Technology and Management in Library and Information Services makes a useful contribution to the debate on technology in libraries in a number of different areas. The range of topics is very broad, from general principles concerning the impact of technology on library management to more specific issues such as staff training and organisational structure, management information, collection development, relations with vendors, electronic document delivery, user services, the Internet, expert systems and evaluating automated systems. This is an ambitious volume which suffers a little from lack of focus, and it tries to cover too much ground. It also suffers from a lack of identity ‐ it offers itself as a text for a course in library science schools, yet confines itself mainly to an overview of recent literature rather than the more structured theoretical approach expected in a textbook.

For all that it has a great deal to offer, bringing together in one volume a survey of much recent research and writing on the complex issues surrounding technology in libraries. This volume encourages practitioners to place recent research in context and to see how it can influence the management of their library and information services. In doing so, it filters this research through Lancaster’s vast experience and formidable intellect. The resulting volume is stimulating, insightful and occasionally frustrating ‐ there is little time to get to grips with each of the topics addressed. Where the pace slows and Lancaster is really in his element, the result is more satisfying. The sections linking management information with collection evaluation and management, and electronic publishing and document delivery, for example, are thorough and well balanced. The opening chapter (“Why Technology?”) makes an abrupt and unsatisfactory start to the book and gives the impression of being a hasty afterthought. A useful and fairly comprehensive bibliography completes the volume.

This book is a valuable addition to the collections of library managers ‐ a thorough range of topics relevant to current management is covered; the main aspects of each are summarised, however briefly, and related to recent research. Its best use might be as a resource and a gateway to the further exploration of a topic, and this would also be its value in library science courses.