Creating a Virtual Library (How-To-Do-It Manuals for Librarians ; No. 91)

Virtual libraries offer a single interface from which users can find out about (and even tour) the library, examine its catalogue, go to online databases, enter an interactive children's room, find out about special collections or community services and explore the rest of the Web.

Aimed primarily at library and archival managers, this book explores the process of creating a library web site, from project management and policymaking through designing, selecting content, and mounting, maintaining, and enhancing the site. Written and edited by Stielow, executive director of the Mid-Hudson Library System, NY, and his staff, the manual is designed "to enable other libraries and archives to take control of their own Web site expansion." Sadly, it does not succeed, primarily due to poor treatment of technical issues. While a book aimed at managers need not read like a technical manual, it should include accurate descriptions of technical topics in plain English, accompanied by concrete examples. Here, technical topics are glossed over with descriptions too general, buzzword-laden, or inaccurate to be useful. Some important issues are omitted entirelyAe.g., the effect of site design on accessibility for disabled users. Sections on planning and managing site development are useful, and descriptions of Mid-Hudson's experiences are helpful and well placed. However, managers seeking a plain-English overview of web site development for libraries would be better served by Ray Metz and Gail Junion-Metz's Using the World Wide Web and Creating Home Pages (Professional Media, LJ 9/15/96), even though it is somewhat dated.AJanet Crum, Oregon Health Sciences Univ. Lib., Portland
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.