66 Journal of Lihm1'y Automation Vol. 7/1 March 1974 BOOK REVIEWS Computer Systems in the Library: A Handbook for Managers and Designers. By Stanley J. Swihart and Beryl F. Hef- ley. A Wiley-Becker & Hayes Series Book. Los Angeles: Melville Publishing Compa- ny, 1973. 388p. Once every year or two, either in En- gland or the United States, a book ap- pears attempting to explain computer sys- tems to librarians. This book, Compute?' Systems in the Library, is the most recent of the introductory texts. It starts off with a chapter entitled "Why Automate?" which skims ve1y lightly and uncritically over the often-repeated reasons for using computers. In this instance, money is in- cluded as a reason to automate, for we are told that "When properly planned, unit operating costs are normally reduced when a function is automated." Automa- tion's impact on the library's research and development budget is not discussed. The book then proceeds to the six chap- ters which occupy the bull< of the book They cover the automation of six major librmy functions: catalog publication, cir- culation, acquisitions, cataloging, catalog reference services, and serials. Each chap- ter consists of a description of one or two apparently existing automated systems, with a complete discussion of how the sys- tem functions, what files are involved, the data in each file, coding and formats used in the files, and reproductions of various output products from each file. Unfortu- nately, we are not told where each of these systems exists, and the systems often appear to use techniques that are suitable only for very small libraries. For example, in the circulation system that is described, a packet of prepunched book cards is to be carried in the book; each time the book is charged or discharged one of the cards is removed, with the last card serv- ing as a signal to create a new deck of cards. Little mention is made of the data collection terminals that are so commonly used in automated circulation systems, with the result that the description is very closely linked to a single system, with lit- tle opportunity for the reader to compare various methods or techniques of informa- tion handling. The latter part of the book addresses itself to some general problems, including the interlibrary sharing of data and pro- grams; the planning, implementation, and control of automation projects; and brief discussions of input and output problems, the protection of records, and some con- siderations in choosing hardware. Three appendixes offer a 2,500-word exclusion list for KWIC indexes, a set of model key- punching rules for a corporate library, and a thirty-three-item bibliography in which the majority of works listed were pub- lished between 1964 and 1968. A major weakness of the book seems to be its lack of critical focus. Library auto- mation problems are treated as being not particularly difficult; in fact, "the authors can see no serious or major disadvantages to automation in libraries. The situation," we are told, "can be compared with the disadvantages of using typewriters or tele- phones." This reviewer finds it difficult to know what sort of audience these words, and the entire book, are addressed to. Though subtitled "A Handbook for Man- agers and Designers," it would be an in- experienced manager indeed who needed to be told that "In its mode of operation, a keypunch is quite similar to a typewrit- er. A key must be struck for each charac- ter . . . ," or that "The catalog master file may be stored on magnetic tape reels or on magnetic disks." The experienced li- brarian, on the other hand, will not be pleased to learn that "many libraries with computer systems have given up the Li- brary of Congress [filing] system for Mel Mac and have placed Mac in order between Mab and Mad, and Me between Mb and Md." Nor will anyone associated with libraries be pleased to discover that "computer centers not only can, but fre- quently do, lose information. From time to time complete files are erased. There is almost no way to ensure that informa- tion will not be inadvertently erased." The librarian who is already involved in automated systems will not need this book; the librarian who wishes to learn about automation and the systems analyst who needs to understand library systems will do well to read other sources in addi- tion to this one. Peter Simmons University of British Columbia The Metropolitan Library. Edited by Ralph W. Conant and Kathleen Molz. Cambridge, Mass.: M.I.T. Press, 1972. 333p. $10.00. The editors describe this book as a se- quel to the important Public Library and the City (1965), also published by M.I.T. Press. The focus again is on the concerns of metropolitan public librarians, combin- ing the viewpoints of specialists from li- brary and social science disciplines. Of the eighteen papers included, only three, by John Trebbel, John Bystrom, and Kathleen Molz, concentrate on the impli- cations of present and future technology on public library service. Their papers of- fer a general, if hard-nosed, approach to the need for specific research into the economic, behavioral, professional, and technological barriers impeding the ad- vent of the automated millenium. Micro- graphics, reprography, computers, fac- simile transmission, telecommunications hardware, and technology are considered essential components of information trans- Book Reviews 61 fer with which libraries must become compatible-and comfortable. The iJllperative need for and conduct of long-range research in telecommunica- tions is outlined by Bystrom, including aspects of research necessary for both a national telecommunications network link- ing all types of libraries and the local use of community cablevision by individual library outlets. The three authors devote considerable head-shaking to the chilling reality of fi- nancing technological adaptations and in- novations in libraries-the "snake in Eden" according to Trebbel. Govern- ments, specifically national governments, are cited as the logical sources of the enormous sums required for automated library and information services of what- ever kind. Molz warns repeatedly and forcefully that libraries, while not discarding the book, must change their priorities. Con- tinued dependence on print as the prime information transfer medium is insupport- able. The public library must adapt to a multimedia world. None of the foregoing is new to 'infor- mation scientists or specialists in automa- tion, but as concerned participants in the knowledge business they should find these papers of general interest. Lois M. Bewley University of British Columbia