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

by John J. Burke

Improve performance, boost productivity, and stay connected with this all-in-one guide to the latest library technology topics and tools. In this revised edition that includes coverage of new Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 tools, tablets, and omnipresent wireless devices, Burke demonstrates how to successfully conceptualize, purchase, implement and maintain a library's invaluable tech assets. Highlights in this eagerly anticipated edition include enhanced coverage of e-books and cloud computing. This comprehensive resource should be at the top of the list for any current or future library professional looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Textbooks, Reference, Grad School, Technology, Read For School

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John J. Burke, MSLS is the Library Director & Principal Librarian of the Gardner-Harvey Library, Miami University, Middletown.

Reviews

[Ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've had for an assigned textbook. A couple of things have changed since its publication date, like Elon buying Twitter, but it still remains a great basic guide to refer to.

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one peruses the reviews of this book, one realizes most of them are reading this for a class. And from my own reading of it, one cannot mistake it for anything else but a college textbook.

That doesn't mean it doesn't have good information. I found the first chapter to be rather good. Other chapters are just basic overviews - citing statistics of usage of particular apps or responses. And then some chapters seem like the author was just 'winging it'. Chapter 6, which is a discussion of computer systems, hardware, & software - makes clear that the writer does not have a firm grasp of the subject matter. When the author refers to Linux as an "operating system" and forgets to mention the differences in types of RAM - one loses confidence in the material.

Overall, its a good starting point for a beginner into Library & Information Science. But please do not stop there as there is much more detailed information elsewhere in this interdisciplinary field.

[Erin Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to Shaw's book, Burke also offers library staff a basic guide on how to familiarize themselves with library technology to make their jobs easier and more efficient, while also supporting patrons in their tech endeavors. Burke offers advice, game plans, and sound information regarding popular library technology such as databases, catalog systems, copyright, and discovery layers. The topics discussed in this book are things that all library staff should be aware of and familiar with.

[Mads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too lacking when it comes to addressing adaptive and assistive technologies. This tech was relegated to a single chapter. Not mentioning disability concerns when talking about library website and app design is a massive oversight that marks most of this text's shallow analysis. If it weren't required for a class, I would have skipped it in favor of more recent journal articles.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I can truly say I enjoyed a textbook - but this one was close to it. Information is concise and to the point. Each chapter was a good jumping off point to further reading .

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference, no doubt that I will refer back to this for the library perspective on IT for at least a few years past grad school

[Taylor Worsham]

Read for LI815: Information Technology in Libraries

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible, but the 6th edition was outdated. I'm curious about the 7th edition but it was not the one required for my grad class yet.

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a great overall perspective on both public and school libraries. It would be particularly useful for a professional development group or university course because it has extra resources in each section and discussion questions.
I was able to find plenty of great resources I had either not yet heard of or forgotten about. The sections on the library's online presence and makerspaces were very helpful for me also.
Worth reading. You don't lose anything from skimming over what doesn't pertain to your field.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook is a great resource for beginning library IT scholars/professionals. With chapters that are clearly organized, lists of resources at the end of each chapter, review questions, and important up-to-date information, Burke's 6th edition proves to be required reading for library science students, particularly those who will be working closely with technology (wait… that's every library science student). I actually read the whole thing in about two months - it was well worth the time and I will probably refer back to all my notes.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful, easy to read overview of technology for libraries. I would have liked the Library Management Systems section to include more information on the features that are now being made available in today's systems. I felt that the ideas included for the future are already available in some cases. Overall, though, this book provides a really good, general overview of library technologies.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly useful and easy to read with great information that is immediately applicable. My only complaint: this is one of those books that needs to be re-released every year (at a minimum) in order to be relevant, making it wiser to borrow it from a library than to actually buy a copy.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professionally speaking, I would give this book 4 stars. It hits on many topics for library professionals, but as its 3 years old now, and dealing with the rapidly changing field of technology it may be time for the 5th edition. This is a good starting point for learning the basics about library technologies and trends.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has a helpful glossary of terms, step-by-step guidelines for creating technology plans and what to consider when purchasing a new ILS system. Most useful as reference material to help implement new technologies in the library.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gave a fine overview of library technology. While it didn't touch on too much that I didn't already know about, at least a little, it was nice to have so much information on this topic aggregated in one guide and I appreciated the opportunity to think about these issues more purposefully.

[Michele Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally thorough but concise with necessary details for any library staff member. As a library science graduate student, I found John J. Burke's extremely helpful even for a social networking novice as myself. Thank you, ALA Neal-Schuman for delivering another terrific textbook!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

another overview of technology in libraries - includes some high level technology planning guidelines

[Emi えみ Takami 鷹見 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Half of the information was basic, but another half was very intriguing.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to understand!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic, but will be quickly outdated.

[Kim Esmael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book for school.

[Becky H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ILS 225 text book

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an administrator with only practical understanding of most technology utilized by libraries. While I cannot say that I understand the exact nature of technology at my library system fully and forever after reading this, I am more aware of it's nature and flexible future as the institution itself shifts and changes in terms of products and focus. The chapter on infrastructure was particularly useful.