The Evolving Virtual Library II

Book by

Practical, yes, but virtual? Philosophical? Libraries are assuredly concrete thingsDcables, computers, books, budgetsDif this collection of articles by noted library professionals is evidence. Like The Amazing Internet Challenge: How Leading Projects Use Library Skills To Organize the Web (Professional Media, LJ 3/15/00), these articles predominantly and helpfully report on existing projects and technologies: developing intranets and databases, reshaping school libraries, reaching remote users, building networks, and more. Some authors risk a speculation or two, but none ventures far from consideration of quotidian realities. Each chapter thus serves as a reminder that libraries dwell amid a struggle for institutional identity and competition for resourcesDfunds, information, and infrastructureDleaving slight opportunity for any loftier musings hinted at in the volume's subtitle. This is regrettable because pondering a few untethered concepts and abstractions might prove intellectually productive and stimulating in a work aimed at "documenting trends" and "influencing the future." The editor has written numerous articles for LJ and Computers in Libraries and has edited a prior volume of similar articles (The Evolving Virtual Library: Visions and Case Studies, Information Today, 1996). Librarians will find this sequel a good starting point for a review of the present situation of the profession.DDean C. Rowan, Whittier P.L., CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.