Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff

by John J. Burke

Overview

Carrying over the reorganization that made the fifth edition such a convenient learning resource for students and working professionals alike, the newest edition of this comprehensive library technology primer is timelier and more compelling than ever. Burke's guide should be at the top of the reading list for any current or future library professional looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancement. Updated with new case studies to illuminate key areas, its incisive coverage includes

• complete analysis of the librarian's technological toolbox for teaching, security, databases, and more;
• expert advice on how to compare and evaluate competing technology solutions;
• social media, streaming media, and educating patrons about digital privacy;
• makerspaces and other technology programing, including virtual and augmented reality technologies;
• technology lending programs;
• open source catalog systems, discovery layers, and related library management systems;
• websites, web-based services, and free information resources;
• copyright and licensing as they pertain to the use of digital materials;
• new technology predictions for the future, with tips on how to stay up to date with the latest developments; and
• a refreshed glossary of useful terms.

Informed by a large-scale survey of librarians across the spectrum of institution types, this guide will be a true technology companion to readers at all experience levels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838918661
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	11/18/2019
Edition description:	Sixth Edition
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	248,341
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

John J. Burke is the director of the Gardner-Harvey Library on the Middletown regional campus of Miami University (Ohio). He holds an MS in library science from the University of Tennessee and a BA in history from Michigan State University. His past work experience includes service as both systems/public services librarian and program director for a web-based associate's degree in library technology at the University of Cincinnati–Raymond Walters College and also as a reference and electronic resources librarian at Fairmont State College (West Virginia). A past president of the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) and past chair of the Southwest Ohio Council on Higher Education (SOCHE) Library Council, he has authored or co-authored numerous books, including the three previous editions of The Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff, IntroNet: A Beginner's Guide to Searching the Internet, and Learning the Internet: A Workbook for Beginners. He has presented on a variety of technology topics at the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and American Library Association (ALA) conferences, the Library Information and Technology Association (LITA) National Forum, and various regional and state conferences.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Sarah Hicks, MLIS (Duquesne University)
Description: The sixth edition of this basic technology guide has the exact same structure (and table of contents) as the 2016 edition, although it has been updated with a new feature — testimonials from library professionals about how they use technology.
Purpose: It is intended as a compendium of information on the technological tools used in libraries and an introduction to how to evaluate and implement them - a worthwhile goal, given how quickly technology changes. It is mostly successful, covering a broad swath of technology that library workers are likely to encounter.
Audience: The preface states that the book is aimed at library workers of all stripes, but more realistically it is most appropriate for library school students or people who are entirely new to the library environment. Anyone who already works with library technology would likely be familiar with much of the information this book presents.
Features: The book is well organized, logically grouping different types of technology and the ways to evaluate them, progressing from the basics to more advanced considerations. Some of the evaluative questions (such as those for web content planning) are especially strong and could be useful for those who are new to thinking about what to look for in different kinds of technologies. The book does, however, sometimes feel almost too basic, with sections explaining things that are, by now, very familiar to library workers (such as ebooks, Wikipedia, and the computer mouse).
Assessment: Overall, this is a reasonably sufficient and up-to-date primer on library technology, although it will likely best serve those totally new to the field. The passages on how to evaluate and implement technology are far more useful than any of the rest of the technological overview.

Doody's Review Service

A public services librarian (Raymond Walters College, U. of Cincinnati) explains the basics of information technology, covering all the major types of technology used in libraries and information centers and addressing the issues related to their adoption and use, including technology plans, security, troubleshooting, and making buying decisions. Because technology is changing so quickly, the book includes a helpful chapter on how to find information to answer specific questions or keep up with developments. With 22 b&w photos, diagrams, and screen shots. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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