The Neal‐Schuman Complete Internet Companion for Librarians (2nd ed.)

Citation

O’Beirne, R. (2002), "The Neal‐Schuman Complete Internet Companion for Librarians (2nd ed.)", Library Review, Vol. 51 No. 6, pp. 319-319. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2002.51.6.319.12

There are many guides to the Internet that target the library profession yet few can equal this excellent publication from Neal‐Schuman. What sets this book some way above others in the field is simply its highly comprehensive coverage, which is presented in seven parts and 566 pages. The companion is introduced by a very informative background chapter which the author uses to define the Internet, the World Wide Web and to put both in the context of the librarian’s emerging role.

Written in a clear and straightforward style, the text explains some of the more technical aspects of networked computing. This is done without compromise and as a consequence many aspects, which other publications generally tend to shy away from, are tackled with finesse. Particularly useful is the author’s understanding of the different platforms used in networked computing; he ventures boldly into the area of Unix and Linux. This is important because it prevents the debate from being confined to the Microsoft suite of Internet tools, a limitation often found in similar publications.

There is considerable space given over to emerging areas of librarianship. Chapter 18, for example, looks at integrating electronic tools into traditional reference practice. This whole area of online reference services and virtual reference desks is enjoying considerable interest at the moment. The integration of Internet tools into other spheres of library work, acquisitions and collection development, for example, is also given consideration. The chapter entitled “Virtually yours for free” will appeal to many librarians who might find themselves in the unenviable position of having to justify connection charges. It gives a long list of useful services, with details of how to access them free of charge. For example: free e‐mail services, free Web‐based faxing, free Web space, online diaries and free surveys.

The CD‐ROM which supplements the companion is excellent. It is simple to install and easy to use, being essentially a collection of locally‐hosted Web pages arranged hierarchically to give a directory of external hyperlinks.

Any librarian wishing truly to understand and learn the workings of the Internet should not hesitate in ordering this true companion.