The publishing history of this book suggests that it has proved its worth. Published in 1992, 1997 and 2001 by Neal‐Schuman in the USA, the first UK edition was published in 1998, and this second UK edition has entered the marketplace in 2002. Written specifically for library professionals and students, the guide leads the reader gently through the various stages of planning for systems implementation or migration.
The book is organised into a series of accessible and focused chapters. Annotated lists of sources (including Web sites) are included at the end of each chapter. These sources cover both US and UK referencing and case studies.
The figures scattered throughout the text are particularly beneficial. These include, for example, a vendor proposal scoring sheet, a vendor client question list, an outline operational requirement for any automated, integrated library system and a system implementation checklist.
After the introduction, the chapters are grouped into three main points. The Introduction sets the context by exploring the implications of concepts such as the library as a “gateway” to resources in other locations, but also moving forward to environments in which users can manipulate and customise information, content and presentation.
Part I: “Planning for library systems: developing and sustaining a technology plan” explores a number of issues associated with planning. These include: data collection methods, developing a library profile, assessing and identifying institutional needs and priorities, writing and updating a technology plan and evaluating and amending the plan.
Part II: “Selecting and implementing integrated library systems” then focuses on a step‐by‐step analysis of the processes associated with implementing systems, translating needs and priorities into system specifications, evaluating proposals from system vendors and selecting a system. Final chapters in Part II focus on putting your system into place and training.
Part III: “Planning your in‐house collection databases” explores all of those themes peculiar to the maintenance of bibliographic databases. Key themes are covered in chapters on: retrospective conversion, database maintenance, barcoding, applying MARC and understanding other standards.
The conclusion reiterates the benefits of good planning and continues by reflecting on the nature of the life cycle of integrated library systems. An appendix explores some of the practical issues associated with consultant relationships.
There is little to quibble with in this accessible and useful handbook. While there is no substitute for experience, this book has a wealth of practical advice that will assist novice and more experienced systems implementers towards a successful project outcome.
