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Synopsis
Eight papers from a March 2000 conference in Oklahoma City offer the views of librarians and vendors from across the US on such aspects as shared collection building, trading infrastructure for information, and a Nebraska experience with a limited budget. They are also published as Journal of Library Administration, vol. 31, no. 2 (2000). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Robert S. Lyle, BSEd., MLS(VA Medical Center Philadelphia)
Description:This book is a collection of papers delivered at a conference of the same name sponsored by the University of Oklahoma Foundation in March 2000. The contents have been published simultaneously as Journal of Library Administration, Volume 31, Number 2, 2000.
Purpose:The rapid increase in the amount of information available in digital formats has, and will continue to have, a significant inmpact on libraries. The papers presented here are meant to stimulate thought and discussion of unique processes and problems related to acquisition and distribution of digital information by libraries. Few answers are offered, which is appropriate in a field where many of the questions remain to be presented.
Audience:This book is intended for librarians and library administrators who are, or will be, involved in acquiring and providing access to digital information. Simply stated, most libraians should find this book informative and useful. The librarian contributors are knowledgeable and experienced, and two contributors represent information vendors.
Features:As a whole, this book examines a range of issues that libraries will face due to both the nature and volume of digital information that will require changes in library policies and processes. The papers cover topics such as the impact of licensure agreements on distribution, including ILL's, and retention of data, as well the perceived need to rethink collection development policies in view of changing nature and demands of users. The seemingly more mundane issue of budgetary concerns is also discussed, and two papers discuss issues from the viewpoint of digital vendors. The book cannot offer many solutions to still evolving problems, but it offers a wealth of information as to the issues that will need to addressed so pitfalls can be avoided.
Assessment:This book should be an eye opener, even for librarians who have some experience with digital information, as most probably do. It will be thought-provoking book that stimulates discussion in the library profession, which is the editor's stated objective.