The Internet Library: Case Studies of Library Internet Management and Use - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0887369650 ISBN 13: 9780887369650

Publisher: Information Today Inc, 1994

Synopsis

Case studies demonstrate the ways Internet-based electronic resources and telecommunications have changed relationships within the library and the way the library relates to the larger world. Contributions from librarians in academic and special library environments cover initial Internet hookups, planning, network expansion, and problem-solving on a variety of Internet-related internal and patron outreach projects. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

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Reviews

We have read the hyperbole about the "information highway" and have eagerly explored the Internet itself only to find the electronic equivalent of anarchy. How should we as librarians begin to approach the ever-evolving nature of the Internet, and how do we present this vast, yet often exasperating information source to our patrons? In short, as editor Still asks in the introduction of this book, "What do I do with the Internet?" The Internet Library attempts to provide answers to this question. This is not a technical or instructional manual on Internet use. Rather, it presents case studies of workable Internet projects, either technical or pedagogic, that have been initiated or enhanced by librarians. Most of the case studies are thorough, outlining the problems encountered-whether technical, economical, or political-and the solutions found. Although the intended audience includes both academic and special librarians, only three of the 13 entries actually originate from special libraries. Librarians seeking more information on Internet use in special libraries may also want to consider The Internet and Special Librarians (Professional Reading, LJ 10/15/93). Still's book consists of three sections: services, settings, and training. Within the services section are some technically challenging projects such as building a library-based gopher, setting up an ftp (file transfer protocol) site, or providing an interlibrary loan service using electronic mail. The settings section, containing only three entries, deals with fitting library services into larger networking contexts or settings. The entry concerning a one-person special library is comparatively too brief and superficial to have been included with the other more extensive and serious case studies. In the training section, Still, a user education librarian, has brought together five invaluable accounts of Internet training programs. This section is the most useful to academic librarians who wish (or need) to incorporate such instruction into user education programs. Several of the entries in this section include helpful course outlines and syllabi. The fluid nature of the Internet makes it difficult for any book on this topic to be all inclusive and up-to-date. However, it is interesting and informative to read about how colleagues are managing and using the Internet despite the rapid rate of change. Still has included entries from institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, of various sizes ranging from large universities to small liberal arts colleges. This is a useful book primarily for academic librarians who seek to stake a claim on the "information highway."-Robert L. Battenfeld, Long Island Univ.
Southampton Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Information Today Inc
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0887369650
• ISBN 13: 9780887369650
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 185
• Editor: Still Julie