The Electronic Library (4th ed.)

Citation

Chowdhury, G.G. (1999), "The Electronic Library (4th ed.)", Asian Libraries, Vol. 8 No. 9, pp. 354-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1999.8.9.354.4

The previous edition of this book, entitled Computers for Libraries, appeared in 1992. The author justifies the change of title in this fourth edition by saying that “this edition has adopted a new title in recognition of, perhaps, a further phase in the development of the impact of information technology on libraries” (p. ix). The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 (six chapters) gives an introduction to computer systems; Part 2 (six chapters) examines a number of applications in the area of information retrieval; and Part 3 (three chapters) provides an overview of library management systems and related aspects of document delivery.

The title of the book is somewhat misleading. In Chapter 1, entitled Introducing the electronic library, the author states that “this book is not about electronic libraries in the full digital form in the sense of the definitions that we have briefly introduced above” (p. 4). This book, to put in the author’s terms, “reflects the way in which I understand the information market place and the library and information professional’s role in that market place” (p. x). Chapter 2 discusses, in very simple terms, the basic hardware configuration of a computer and its various components, such as the central processing unit, input and output devices, storage devices, etc. Chapter 3, Systems and networks, describes the basic features of different types of computers and features of data transmission and communication networks. Chapter 4, Information structure and software, explains the basics of data representation in computers, elementary features of programming languages, operating systems, application software and user interfaces. Chapter 5, Databases, describes the features of various types of databases, and bibliographic record formats such as MARC and CCF. It also discusses basics of database structures, including inverted files and various database models. Chapter 6, Designing and managing information systems, explores various issues associated with the design and development of information systems, information system methodologies, etc.

The second part of the book begins with Chapter 7, which discusses the basics of information retrieval. This chapter provides a snapshot of the entire information retrieval field, and for obvious reasons it gives a rather general overview of the field without going into much detail. The same is true of Chapter 8, which discusses the basics of the Internet, World Wide Web and Intranet. In a limited space the author provides a good overview of Internet technology, particularly from a library viewpoint. Chapters 9 and 10, discussing online search services and CD‐ROM respectively, are well written and contain ample illustrations. Chapter 11 focuses on document management systems, software “that is designed to support the creation, maintenance and use of databases” (p. 287). Chapter 12 discusses traditional printed indexes including KWIC, KWOC, articulated subject indexes, PRECIS, etc., as well as features of current awareness services.

Part 3 of the book begins with Chapter 13, entitled Functions of library management systems, that identifies the basic functions common to any library management system. Chapter 14 gives an overview of the market for library management systems, including current and future trends that have been identified, and it describes the features of five library management systems. The book ends with a chapter entitled “Document delivery” that briefly discusses electronic document delivery systems, library networks, etc.

Rowley covers a wide range of topics, although, possibly for lack of space, discussions in many chapters, especially those that describe the basic technologies and tools, are rather general. The presentation style of the book is very useful, particularly for students. Each chapter begins with a description of the learning outcomes and ends with a summary and review questions. References appear at the end of each chapter. Chapters 1, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 contain case studies that are very useful.

This book, like its earlier editions and other works by Jennifer Rowley, is an excellent addition to the library and information science literature and should be read by all library and information science students, as well as practising professionals.