Table of contents: issue39

Book Review: Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval

editor — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 23:00:00 +0000

Charles Oppenheim sees improvements in this second edition but has reservations about one of the few UK-based texts on this subject.

This substantial (470-page) paperback is the second edition of one of the few UK-based textbooks on information retrieval (IR). The first edition appeared in 1999, and was criticised for being badly out of date and at times too complex for its intended undergraduate and postgraduate student audience. How does this second edition stack up?

Book Review: Extreme Searchers' Internet Handbook

editor — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 23:00:00 +0000

Verity Brack reviews a book on Internet resources and finds it a useful volume for Internet beginners and Google-centric searchers.

The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook has been written aiming to fill the gaps in Internet users' knowledge by providing a better understanding of what is out there, and by illustrating useful starting points, in order to help users find their way to the most useful 'nooks and crannies' in this global information resource.

Book Review: Developing Academic Library Staff for Future Success

editor — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 23:00:00 +0000

Stephen Town considers this new multi-author volume, appreciates its many qualities and reflects on the key issues for library staff development in the digital future.

This book promises to address the place of staff development in the current and future strategic management of academic libraries. The editor has assembled an impressive cast of those who are active in this field, and the authors are well able to reflect state of the art thinking. The book is informed by their close association with innovative staff development initiatives, some through involvement with the SCONUL (Society of College, National & University Libraries) Advisory Committee on Staffing.

Book Review: The Accidental Webmaster

editor — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 23:00:00 +0000

Andy Prue examines a guide aimed at inexperienced Webmasters. While the book covers some interesting and salient points, Andy raises questions as to the ideal audience.

The World Wide Web has emerged as one of the key platforms for the development and communication of information.

From complex, high-tech organisations like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) [1], through to community sites such as Abington Trails [2], a Pennsylvanian community trails group, the Web has provided effective access to a global audience of billions.