Managing Your Internet and Intranet Services: The Information and Library Professional’s Guide to Strategy

Citation

Fourie, I. (2002), "Managing Your Internet and Intranet Services: The Information and Library Professional’s Guide to Strategy", Online Information Review, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 223-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir.2002.26.3.223.5

There are growing demands for effective, user‐centred and well‐organised Web sites that offer easy access to information. This also applies to intranets. Since LIS professionals have a unique skill set for this task, they seem highly suitable to take on the role of Web site managers. In this context Managing Your Internet offers an excellent set of guidelines.

While the publication touches on Web technology, the focus is more on the non‐technical aspects of Web site management and the knowledge LIS professionals require to make a successful contribution. In the introduction Griffiths explains: “I am not a Web ‘techie’ and this is not a technical book. Many librarians have responsibility for the technical management of a Web server and a Web site. This book will help them understand what their non‐technical managers are asking them to do, and why: but it will not be a substitute for their own technical knowledge and the training that they will need to acquire it.”

Topics covered include the development of the Internet, the role of LIS professionals in a Web environment, how to get access to the Web and use it, a business plan, the role of the Webmaster, organising a Web site, publishing the Web site (including aspects such as registering, authoring, design, accessibility, the managing of service provision and the managing of the content). It also covers intranets, the presentation of Web content, and the monitoring and updating of Web sites. The book is not intended as a complete reference work, and sometimes only draws the reader’s attention to key concerns. It, however, includes an excellent list of references and resources for further reading. Purchasers of the book will also be able to register for access to a Web site that will be regularly updated. Managing Your Internet also includes a detailed index and useful “jargon‐busting” glossary.

Although there are many books and Web sites offering advice on Web site design, the use of Web editors, the design of intranets, etc., there is a need for publications aimed at LIS professionals in particular. Managing Your Internet, therefore, is highly recommended to all LIS professionals, as well as for LIS students. It could also be suitable to a wider audience looking for a non‐technical approach to Web site management, especially senior mangers wishing to select a Web team and needing to understand the roles to be filled. It could also stimulate senior managers’ appreciation of the value LIS professionals can add to the design of Web sites and intranets.