Introducing and Managing Academic Library Automation Projects

Though computers have become more common, many academic libraries still lack automation of any kind. With the growing importance of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic databases, automation is likely to be an important part of the future of every library. Fortunately, enough libraries have implemented automated systems so that their experiences can inform those libraries only about to engage in automation projects. This professional reference is a guide to the forecasting, planning, implementing, and monitoring necessary for the successful management of academic library automation.

While novices will benefit from this book, the volume will be of special interest to librarians presently engaged in automation projects. The authors of the book's chapters come from all types of academic libraries and offer a wide range of experience and perspectives. The volume focuses on two major areas of librarianship, public service and technical services; and contributors stress the importance of planning, teamwork, and clear objectives. Each chapter cites sources of additional information, and the volume closes with two bibliographic essays.

JOHN W. HEAD is Associate Professor in the Library Science Department at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and has worked in public and academic libraries. A member of the American Library Association and the Pennsylvania Library Association, his interests include information retrieval, library automation, and research methods. He is the coeditor of the Insider's Guide to Library Automation (Greenwood Press, 1993).

GERARD B. McCABE is former Director of Libraries at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He is the editor of Operations Handbook for the Small Academic Library (1989) and Academic Libraries in Urban and Metropolitan Areas (1992), and coeditor of Insider's Guide to Library Automation (1993) and Academic Libraries: Their Rationale and Role in American Higher Education (1995), all published by Greenwood Press.