This is a six‐volume set, sponsored by the Bertelsmann Foundation, which seeks to create a forum in which information and expertise can be shared in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of libraries. The approach is practice‐oriented and case study‐based. The underlying philosophy is that really effective innovations require precise definition of problems and objectives and the combination of theory and practice, or analysis and creative thinking. The International Network of Public Libraries consists of 16 experts from ten different countries who have worked on future‐oriented library issues. The papers in this set of books represent the first models to be developed and tested in a variety of libraries in several countries. The volumes in this series contain the following contributions:
Volume 1: Organisational change in a public library: a case study, by Nicola Campbell and Sue Sutherland (based on Canterbury Public Library, New Zealand). Strategic management for better customer services in public libraries, by Kay Poustie (based on five Australian public libraries).
Volume 2: Quality management in public libraries, by Ute Klaassen and Chris Wiersma (based on Groningen Public Library and Gutersloh City Library). Adjusting the product: the tools of marketing, by Thierry Giappiconi.
Volume 3: Product oriented management in public libraries, by Arend Flemming (includes a case study on the municipal libraries of Dresden).
Volume 4: The organisation, performance and cost accounting system of the Paderborn City Library, by Dieter Kranstedt and Jorg Wiemers (case study based on Paderborn City Library).
Volume 5: Fundraising: alternative financial support for public library services, by Madeline Aalto and Trevor Knight.
Volume 6: The role of public libraries in the media society, by Conny Ang (case study based on the Norrkoping City Library, Sweden). Electronic media and the evaluation of its use: model solutions for changing and challenging times, by Robert E. Cannon (case study based on the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County, North Carolina).
This is a fascinating if mixed collection. The contributions vary in length, but most are longer than the average book chapter at around 60‐70 pages. Some are essentially case studies with some theoretical analysis, or an underpinning model, whilst others take a theoretical perspective and review the issues for public libraries in respect of, say, customer service. Only the occasional article manages a truly international perspective. The shining example is the contribution on fundraising. This is a fascinating comparative account of income‐generating activities from charges and fees to fundraising focussing on the USA, the UK and Germany, but also including reference to New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
The other contributions that particularly caught my attention were those in volume two on quality management and marketing. Both of these are reasonably thorough reviews of he concepts in these areas and provide much food for thought. It might be argued that these principles are applicable in all countries, although there must be cultural and environmental factors which influence implementation in different countries. Both of these contributions are well supported by references to the information and the management literature.
This is an international collection that draws together authors and case studies based on organisations that might not otherwise be in evidence, in the same set of documents. It has a role to play in helping public librarians and others to understand the differing but parallel roles of public libraries and their management in different countries as we enter a new millennium that is likely to be dominated by electronic information. Unfortunately, no attempt is made to provide an overarching framework for the contributions, and no underpinning rationale is offered as to why these topics have been chosen for inclusion, and why some topics are treated primarily from a case study perspective, whereas others are treated to a more theoretical presentation. A distillation of key issues, including pointers to some of the significant international and comparative issues that are embedded in this set would have made the collection more accessible. My other main quibble is with the price. At £82.50 this would need to be an impressive set of volumes to justify its purchase. Sadly, therefore, I suspect that the set will not be read as widely as it deserves.
