Dictionary of Information and Library Management, 2nd ed.

Citation

Freeman, M. (2007), "Dictionary of Information and Library Management, 2nd ed.", New Library World, Vol. 108 No. 5/6, pp. 300-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800710748894

In the fast moving world of libraries and information management a dictionary to explain and amplify the ever‐increasing body of professional terminology and concepts is to be welcomed. The problem is, as always, the “up‐to‐dateness” and accuracy of the information. Is it simpler and easier to go straight to the Internet? Is this sort of reference book becoming increasingly outmoded?

So, on trying out a few newish words and concepts, the Dictionary came out fairly well. On “RFID” for instance, the enquirer gets a clear, simple definition (along with the full meaning of the acronym and its pronunciation). Occasional words have exemplifying phrases attached – a helpful device, particularly for overseas readers. Pleasingly and correctly, the Ranfurly Library Service is referenced across to its latest re‐incarnation as Book Aid International. On the other hand, one could disagree strongly with the dictionary's definition of “Librarian: 1. a person who is in charge of a library; 2. a person who has usually been trained in librarianship and who works in a library”. I don't like that “usually” very much, or the general old‐fashionedness of the definition. Still, a minor quibble – overall, this is a useful, clearly printed and well laid out reference work, handy for students and for practitioners across all the LIS spectrum of work.

I particularly liked the Supplements – e.g. Major Classification Schemes; Ranganathan's Five Laws (and Gorman's amendments to these Laws); Book Prizes and Awards – all very useful and informative. So, a clear, understandable and helpful reference work for all LIS workers, emanating from a reputable and specialist publisher.