Gower Handbook of Library and Information Management

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’.

• Contents: The Context: An Introduction: Definition and trends, Ray Prytherch; The technological future: an overview, Terry Beck. Strategy and Planning: Introduction; Scanning the environment: trends and pressures, Ray Prytherch; Financial planning, Jo Bryson; Strategic planning: the key to managing change, Ray Prytherch. The Service Infrastructure: Introduction; Customer care for libraries: accident or design?, Peter Stubley; Performance measurement and evaluation, Lawraine Wood; Research: the infrastructure for improvement and change, Ray Prytherch; Copyright and related issues, Graham Cornish. Managing resources: introduction; Strategic management, Ray Prytherch; Information auditing, Feona Hamilton; Human resource management, John Pluse; Preservation, access and integrity, Priscilla Schlicke; Disasters: prevention, rescue and recovery, Priscilla Schlicke. Access and Delivery: Introduction; Closing the information net: gateways, brokers and Z39.50, Peter Stubley; Electronic publishing, Priscilla Schlicke; The intranet as an information management tool, Feona Hamilton; New paradigms in access and delivery, Colin Steele; Directory of organizations; Glossary; Index.

’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