Keywords
Citation
Cronau, D.A. (2000), "Networked Information Resources", Online Information Review, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 401-411. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir.2000.24.5.401.6
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SPEC Kits purport to contain the most valuable, up‐to‐date information on the latest issues related to libraries and librarians and are the result of systematic surveys of ARL member libraries on particular topics, in this case networked information resources. In a now well‐established format, this compilation contains an executive summary of the survey results; survey questions with tallies and selected comments; the best representative documents from survey participants, such as policies, procedures, handbooks; guidelines, Web sites, records, brochures and statements; and a selected reading list of both print and online sources.
The main headings (with pagination) list the university or library name, and in italics and slightly indented it lists what is contributed, including appendices. I have never understood why SPEC Kits list articles under the name of the library concerned but realise this might be of significance to libraries, particularly in the USA, who know which institutions are similar in orientation or size to their own. While this layout is a little disconcerting, it does not detract from the quality of the resource or its broad usefulness.
SPEC Kits, according to the publisher, are a popular reference tool for library administrators, staff, students, library educators and allied professionals because the documentation serves as a point of departure for research and problem solving. The documentation can also set standards for designing programmes or writing procedural statements. Basically, this is a stimulating, well‐documented collection of ideas and examples on networked information resources, and very up to the minute. It is also, via the survey, a collection of the practices and ideals of many of our US peers. The bibliography is short but reasonably current, with all citations less than five years old. This is a useful resource for all librarians, particularly in the tertiary sector, involved in networking information resources.