Building a Virtual Library

Citation

Fourie, I. (2004), "Building a Virtual Library", Online Information Review, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 81-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520410522493

Building a Virtual Library explores the dynamics of the University of South Florida’s experiences in building a virtual library within the context of their national developments and standards. It is the editors’ hope that the book will enable readers to understand the processes and principles entailed, and that it will enable them to develop similar resources and services for their own libraries. This might be interpreted as an indication that the University of South Florida could serve as a benchmark, which is probably not always the case. Building a Virtual Library does, however, make a very valuable contribution in grouping key issues on the development of virtual libraries in one publication, by sharing practical experiences from case studies and real‐life experiences, as well as by stimulating interest in the possibilities offered by virtual libraries.

The book consists of a foreword, preface, 14 chapters and an index. The eight‐page index is fairly extensive for the scope of the book. Unfortunately, it does not include any “see” and “see also” references, which limits access to the content. The chapters are divided into three parts. The first part on collections includes chapters on collection development, the publishing of digital video by libraries, and geographic information systems research data centres. Part 2 consists of six chapters, including access services, cataloguing and metadata issues for electronic resources, e‐references, Web site development, marketing and distance learning. The third part, on administration and education, includes four chapters. These deal with the issues of library management when implementing large‐scale programmatic change, the staffing of a virtual library (e.g. the competencies and characteristics required, and how to deal with change), library statistics and outcomes assessment, and the re‐engineering of library education.

All chapters conclude with a list of references that may stimulate further reading. Some of these lists are very detailed. Mostly they are also fairly up to date. Building a Virtual Library can make a valuable contribution in enhancing staff understanding of the issues involved in the building of virtual libraries. It, however, is limited to the experiences of a single institution, and should be read in this context. To the complex issues raised by the authors there are no simple answers or solutions. It is essential, therefore, to follow Building a Virtual Library with further reading. This is recommended as a good point of departure for information professionals looking to share in others’ practical experience. It, should, however, not be seen as the ultimate source on virtual libraries.