A Neal-Schuman Publishers Bestseller
Planning for Automation: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, Second Edition. By John M. Cohn, Ann L. Kelsey, and Keith Michael Fiels.NY: Neal-Schuman, 1997. [1-55570-313-5] 149pp.
From the publisher's catalog: "This completely revised and expanded follow-up to the authors' landmark first edition is a basic, comprehensive guide to the essential components of automation planning for medium-sized and smaller libraries of all kinds. Updated with highly current information and step-by-step techniques for assessing, acquiring, using and maintaining new technology, the guide is ideal for libraries installing a system for the first time--or replacing an existing system."
Subjects covered include:
developing a profile in preparation for automation
identifying your library’s needs and priorities
writing a technology plan
the system selection and implementation process
post-selection matters, including contract negotiations, maintaining the system, training
creating and maintaining machine-readable databases
a discussion of standards and their importance to the success of the process
planning the telecommunications infrastructure
finding, selecting and working with a consultant (appendix)
This book has also been published in the United Kingdom by Library Assocation Publishing (London) under the title Planning for Library Automation: A Practical Handbook. Revised and adapted by Graeme Muirhead, 1998. [1-85604-295-2]