College and Research Libraries indicates.-]ohn F. Guido, Washington State University, Pullman. Bahr, Alice Harrison. Book Theft and Li- brary Security Systems, 1978-79. White Plains, N.Y.: Knowledge Industry Publi- cations, 1978. 128p. $24.50. LC 77- 25284. ISBN 0-914236-14-8. This report addresses the question: "Which theft prevention program is most suited to the library budget, library staff, li- brary building design, and the nature and extent of losses sustained?" (p.5). Although it does not answer this question directly, the report does achieve its stated goal of supplying the data that will help librarians arrive at their own answers. Of available publications, this volume comes closest to gathering in one place the background in- formation librarians need to approach the problem of theft intelligently and systemat- ically. Although almost half the volume is de- voted to descriptions and user reports on commercially available electronic security systems, as the title indicates, there is also considerable discussion of the theft problem in general. Two features of special interest are the attention given to assessing the magnitude of the theft problem and the dis- cussion of the theft problems of special col- lections, nonprint, and journal collections. The chapter on "Determining Whether Theft Prevention Measures Are Necessary" assesses clearly the three most frequently employed methods of measuring book loss-the book census, the inventory, and the sample. It gives step-by-step instruc- tions, reports various experiences with each method, and attempts to point out the ad- vantages and disadvantages of each. Surpris- ingly, the author argues that the inventory be given serious consideration as a viable procedure. The author argues that if the in- ventory is considered as a tool to achieve other valuable ends, for example, weeding, preservation, etc., in addition to calculating book losses, it may be a cost-effective pro- cedure. The discussion of sampling methods provides, in clear, understandable language, the basic steps in taking a statistically valid sample. As such it will provide precision in many cases where there would otherwise be none. The danger here is that the simplicity Recent Publications I 409 of the explanation will embolden librarians to undertake major sampling efforts without further advice. In this regard the author's suggestion that help be sought of a college business or engineering department is par- ticularly sound. The major section on electronic security systems effectively answers questions that buyers are likely to ask-such as, how the systems work, what they cost, what can be protected, and what special features each system has. It is a good update of the Li- brary Technology Reports issue (Nov. 1976) devoted to consideration of these products. These two volumes and the recent Associa- tion of Research Libraries SPEC kit on Theft Detection and Prevention provide li- braries with an excellent background for consideration of competing products and implementation of an ESS-based prevention program. The chapter on theft problems of journal, nonprint, and special collections is slightly less satisfying, perhaps because the work done in these areas is less complete and theft problems less easily evaluated. Journal mutilation as a part of the theft problem is MCGREGOR "PERSONALIZED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE" Every customer Is assigned an experienced "Home Office" representative. You correspond direct; any title needs, changes, cancellations or problems can be handled promptly by 1ett1r or phone. This makes your job easier lfl.d_~ you abreast of your subscription needs at all uma. With over 45 years ~ce. McGregor has built a reputation of prompt and courteous service on both domestic and ln1lmatlonal titles. We prepay subscrip- tions ahead of time. Our customers, large and small, like the prompt attention we give them. We think you would tool Ask about McGregor's "Automatic Renewal" plan de- scribed In our new brochure. Write today for your free copy. OUR 46th YEAR 410 I College & Research Libraries • September 1978 briefly discussed, and it is suggested that introduction of an ESS may exacerbate this already critical problem. Special collection theft is briefly discussed as a part of the en- tire library security problem. However, for program planning it is clear that libraries should turn to materials published by the Society of American Archivists when con- sidering the special difficulties that theft in these areas represents. This report, even with its relatively high price, represents an excellent summary of the library theft problem. It puts electronic security systems into perspective as only one element, albeit a major element, in a balanced approach to library theft. Any li- brary contemplating a theft prevention pro- gram will find useful material in this report.-]ames Michalko, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Lecht, Charles P. The Waves of Change: A Techno-Economic Analysis of the Data Processing Industry. New York: Ad- vanced Computer Techniques Corp., 1977. 186p. $39.75. LC 77-94890. ISBN 0-931336-00-7. In his foreword to this somewhat pro- vocative book, Gideon I. Gartner states, ''The Waves of Change describes available evidence pointing to the conclusion that we are in transition to a new era. Such evi- dence should be carefully considered by every student of the computer/communica- tions environment." Reading this volume supports this state- ment. Using clearly understood prose, the author addresses the following topics as chapters: (1) "Computer Industry Develop- ments: A Review," (2) "Changing Hardware/Software Relationships," (3) "Products, Services, and Marketplace Statis- tics," (4) "Manufacturers' Spending Emphasis and Trends," (5) "Data Communications and Network Trends," (6) "Distributed Process- ing," (7) "User Budget Priorities-Past, Present, and Future," (8) "Future System Requirements/Expectations," (9) "Mini/ Microcomputer Impact," (10) "Software Technology Trends," and (ll) "Hardware Technology Trends." In reviewing computer industry de- velopments, the author shows how today we have come full circle back to the concept of a "computer for every user" as the industry initially experienced in the early 1950s and 1960s. It is obvious to the knowledgeable data processing practitioner who has grown up with the computer industry that the au- thor brings considerable experience to bear in the writing of this volume. The book is filled with graphs and charts that point out trends and statistics showing how the computer industry has progressed and the directions that appear to be on the horizon. Some examples are the "Average Design and Programming Cost per Instruc- tion," "Costs of Storage Technologies," "Dollar Growth Rate of Various Segments of the Data Processing Industry," and "Cen- tralized vs. Distributed Data Processing Advantages." These follow each chapter as appropriate to the chapter text. The text is attractively presented with a good quality binding. Only one typographi- - cal error was discovered in the text, which shows rather high quality manuscript pro- cessing. Although every reader will proba- bly not agree with each trend predicted by the author, the general conclusions are sup- ported by the data shown in this work. Of course, the future will tell just how accurate this author has been in his view of the changes soon to be upon us. Blank note pages are left at the end of the text, I sur- mise for the purpose of readers to note their views and then be able to look back in re- trospect at some future time. This volume should be of interest to any- one studying the possible impact of data processing on society and evolution and change in the data processing industry from an economic and technological view and obvi- ously important to any reader whose busi- ness or profession is affected by data pro- cessing trends. Thus students and prac- titioners will find this volume worthwhile. Although a previously serialized version of the data in this volume appeared in parts in the magazine Computerworld, this vol- ume reflects updated and edited text incor- porating more data and more polished presentation for a wider audience. For this reason, this volume is an appropriate addi- tion to personal collections as well as for li- braries that collect in the economic trend or