Although not mentioned in the title this volume constitutes the edited papers from a conference held in October 1996. It has taken some time to get to the publisher. For once, this has been worthwhile as this is very much more a polished text than conference proceedings. The full bound format is not often used for this slimmer volume but it works well. The volume has also been indexed and provided with a three‐page bibliography and half a page of web references.
An alternative title might have been “strategies for managing change in an uncertain environment”. Of the various planning techniques available to cope with unpredicted change, scenario planning is one developed in the last 20 years but probably widely used long before then without official recognition. The concept of considering what might happen in order to create a strategy for dealing with it, should it happen, has been present for many years. The development of plausible scenarios enables managers to then devise plans for coping with potential developments and to react in a positive planned way to events which occur seemingly unexpectedly. This does not necessarily only apply to disaster planning but to positive planning for more propitious events.
The techniques for both developing and using scenarios are discussed, providing background to the case studies of scenario planning which are described. These are: the strategic plan for Arlington County Public Library in Virginia; the use of scenario planning to address strategic issues and planning issues, and finally the state‐wide development for the library and information professionals in Nebraska in the twenty‐first century.
The theory is clearly presented, more as a text than a seminar. The use of questions and answers to arrive at a number of possible, probable, plausible and preferred scenarios is useful and understandable as well as being infinitely adaptable. The clear and coherent presentation is perhaps achieved not just through good editorial but through the fact that the editor wrote, or shared authorship in four of the seven papers. Although the library world provided the case studies this book is for all managers and supervisors. It is extremely readable, although a slim volume. It is one of the few studies originating in the USA where the case studies cross the water and one can feel entirely “at home” from the British perspective. Most will be applicable anywhere with minor modifications. Most will translate to companies also. The case studies illustrate and amplify the text. All in all this is a very useful addition to any library or bookshelf.
