The Library and Information Professional's Internet Companion

Citation

Smith, A.G. (2006), "The Library and Information Professional's Internet Companion", Online Information Review, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 595-596. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520610706451

The cover of The Library and Information Professional's Internet Companion suggests that this “desk reference will keep practitioners ahead”. Does a “desk reference” have a place in the fast‐changing virtual world of theinternet? Last century many information professionals started their Internet explorations with Ed Krol's trusty Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by their side, but now most information professionals will turn to an online tool such as Google or Wikipedia to answer day‐to‐day questions about the internet. However, there is a case for a library‐flavoured internet guide, particularly for new entrants to the profession who may not be familiar with how the Internet is used in a library context.

The bulk of the book is an overview of Internet technologies, starting with the World Wide Web and search tools. There are two chapters on creating content: the basics of HTML, with a quick overview of scripting and XML on the side; followed by Website design principles. This recognises that creating Web resources, not just using them, is a role for librarians. There is a chapter on file transfer technologies: not just reliable old FTP, but also covering the issues of peer‐to‐peer transfers, spyware and adware. E‐mail is covered, including netiquette, security concerns and the use of discussion lists. Two chapters look at conferencing technologies: the asynchronous technologies of Usenet, forums and blogs, and synchronous technologies such as chat and videoconferencing. A brief chapter on networking technologies touches on the underlying protocols, the domain name system, ISPs and the implications of mobile Internet.

The two final chapters discuss the impact of the Internet on libraries, starting with the 1993 Follett report that heralded major changes in UK academic library networking, and moving on to the changing role of libraries and librarians. Library‐specific applications are dealt with: online reference services, information literacy, digital resources, and the concept of a library as portal.

While the authors have covered considerable material, there could be fuller treatment of search tools and techniques, along with specific coverage of the evaluation of Web‐sourced information. For example, tracing the ownership of a domain name using WHOIS is mentioned, but it could be reinforced that this is a valuable precaution for a librarian passing on information from an unfamiliar site. Wikipedia is mentioned, but without discussion of its reliability and role in reference work.

The text is liberally scattered with information boxes, providing tips on technique and relevant Website URLs (sometimes fairly eclectic ‐ the recommended file searching tool concentrates on Russian FTP sites). There are references at the end of each chapter and a reliable index, but no glossary of terms or associated Websites.

The Library nd Information Professional's Internet Companion is not really a “desk reference”, since most topics are skimmed over. However, its mix of a basic overview of Internet technologies and examples drawn from library work makes it valuable for library students and new professionals.