1st Edition
Gower Handbook of Library and Information Management
This Gower Handbook is an authoritative guide to both the traditional and newer aspects of library and information management. Edited by Ray Prytherch, it brings together the insight of a range of respected contributors, who offer advice on the management, storage, retrieval, analysis, marketing and delivery of information. The book begins with Part I analyzing the context and trends of the information world. In Part II, Strategy and Planning, the information environment is explored in more detail, with Chapters 3 and 4 presenting the main issues and principles of financial planning and strategic planning. Part III, The Service Infrastructure, looks at customer care, the role of performance measurement and research in service improvement, and the influence of copyright law in the delivery of information products to customers. Part IV, Managing Resources, includes five chapters on strategic management, information auditing, human resource management, preservation and disaster management. The last part of the Handbook, Part V, Access and Delivery, focuses on the potential of electronic systems with chapters on subject gateways and Z39.50, electronic publishing, intranets and new models of access and delivery. Each part of the Handbook begins with an introduction by the editor and the book concludes with a directory of organizations, including useful URLs, and a glossary. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for information professionals if they are to maintain their skills at the right level to provide the services needed by both information-rich and information-poor. In this one book librarians from all backgrounds, information managers and officers, document and records managers, and network and Web specialists will find answers to a wide range of questions that confront them in their working day. The Handbook will become a standard reference on best practice for professionals and students. It will be of interest to information analysts, knowledge managers, and others, including publishers, involved in information maintenance and provision.
Biography
Ray Prytherch is an information consultant specializing in information management, editorial and bibliographic services. He is the author of several other Gower titles, including Information Management and Library Science: A Guide to the Literature, and Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary. He is also editor of Information Management Report (a monthly newsletter), is co-compiler of Walford’s Guide to Reference Material and has been co-editor of the series ’Librarianship and Information Work Worldwide’.
’Altogether, a fine, comprehensive and readable coverage of the main features of information provision today. A very practical guide with considerable substance as well. Ideal for the academic as well as the practitioner. Highly recommended.’ Electronic Library ’... usefully supports teaching and continuing professional development ... The thought provoking challenges that contributions present suggest the book's value lies in making us think.’ Library Association Record ’... should give all professionals replies to the questions they ask themselves in a context which is noted for its flexibility and adaptability.’ Bulletin des Bibliotheques (France) ’... a well structured book that ... can be recommended to managers of library and information services, and to students in library schools.’ Online and CD Rom Review ’The ten contributors to the book all have plenty of experience in the field of information management and the editor has ensured that they present a coherent discussion of the problems involved.’ The Indexer ’... it is clear that a good job has been carried out in text editing. The contributions are well written in clear language and too much technical terminology and jargon is avoided.’ Journal of Librarianship and Information Science ’... a very useful addition to the personal or institutional library.’ Education for Information ’The author claims copyright was once seen as a dull and almost irrelevant area. But he then poses the most interesting challenges facing web page designers in particular and many IMIS members in general! Worth buying for this fascinating chapter alone ... Overall, the book will appeal to a wide information-based audience ... many will find much to commend it.’ IMIS Journal ’... an authoritative guide.’ L’Officer de Police, France
