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MS DOS software for library and information applications
internationalJournal of InformationManagement
(1991), 7 7 (171-l 73)
Book Reviews Paul F. Burton (Editor). MS DOS software for library and information applications. Aldershot: Gower, 1990. 140 pp. ISBN 0 566 03617 7. f22.50. MS DOS software for library and information applications presents a series of case studies intended to evaluate a variety of software packages which have been applied in public, commercial and academic information and library environments. Not a guide to the use of MS DOS itself, the book is divided into three parts and considers the development of systems, hardware requirements and the application of software packages available for use in the MS DOS environment, in what are arguably the most important aspects of the information profession: Part One - information retrieval; Part Two - library and information service housekeeping; and Part Three - management information systems. The book covers topical aspects of automation in the information profession such as online facilities, decision support systems, and local area networks. Software considered includes major names such as dBase 111 and ill+, Smart, Open Access, Headline, Tinman and MicroCairs. Some more obscure packages are also included, for example, the Class and Cars package developed by G & G Software. Written in a straightforward style, each case study outlines not only the background to their particular project, but also the criteria the software had to meet in the particular circumstances of each application and the method by which the decision to purchase a particular package was reached. System design and functions are also covered in some detail and a general theme of the book is the importance of careful systems analysis. In addition to the advantages of automating systems, problems encountered and disadvantages are also explained, describing the features of the packages and also their limitations. In general the book gives the
whole process of developing automated systems for information management a well rounded and fair treatment, the overall tone of the book being one of enthusiasm for the capabilities and power afforded by such applications to the daily routines of library and information work. Turning to the sections of the book in particular, it would be fair to say that usefulness of each section will depend on the reader’s particular area of interest. Part One, concerning information storage and retrieval, assumes some knowledge of information storage and retrieval techniques as jargon relating to those aspects does tend to creep into the text. However, the section provides useful tips for the newly qualified manager which could be applied to any powerful database management system, and a useful ‘memory jogger’ for those .with more experience. Part Two, on library and information service housekeeping systems, whilst describing the application and use of a variety of also considers the human systems, aspect of automation, often overlooked by this sort of study. In particular the section pays attention to training needs and desirable approaches by which to achieve a positive attitude to automation. Part Three consists of only one case study on the development of a decision support system and presents a detailed and quite complicated description of the system, whilst also offering comments on the implications of decision support systems in library environments, where, it is stated, management information systems have failed to meet demands, arguably particularly pertinent in today’s political environment of financial c:ontrols and budgetary cuts. In general, a book such as this will date quickly as both software and hardware are improved and revised by the manufacturers. The book does, however, present a useful state-of-theart review of software applications from which new and experiened librarians and information managers may
gain useful insights into a variety of situational applications which could provide pointers for the development of practical systems for their own environment, and the book contains a bibliography which points to further useful texts for managers wishing to increase their understanding and knowledge of the capabilities of software and systems in the information field. Overall opinion? Not for the complete novice, but useful tool for those with some experience looking for practical guidance. A. Stevenson Information Services Manager North Derbyshire Health Authority UK
Janice Burn and Eveline Caldwell. Management of information systems technology. Henley-on-Thames: Alfred Wailer, 1990. 262 pp. ISBN 1 872474 00 4. What a refreshing change I found it to pick up a book in the information systems field that has not been written by an American, with the inevitable American case studies. This book, written by two Europeans, has a distinctively ‘Eastern’ feel since the two authors are currently teaching and researching in Hong Kong. The philosophy of the book is that in any organization it is important to look at the information needs and then design a suitable system. Or, as the back cover puts it: ‘the major emphasis of this book is the identification and development of the most effective type of information systems for a particular organization’. The reader may wonder what this has to do with the ‘management of information technology’ which is the title of the book. Having read all three parts of this book I am still left with the feeling that the title is somewhat of a misnomer. The three parts of the book cover: strategic modelling, strategies for in-
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(1991), 7 7 (171-l 73)
Book Reviews Paul F. Burton (Editor). MS DOS software for library and information applications. Aldershot: Gower, 1990. 140 pp. ISBN 0 566 03617 7. f22.50. MS DOS software for library and information applications presents a series of case studies intended to evaluate a variety of software packages which have been applied in public, commercial and academic information and library environments. Not a guide to the use of MS DOS itself, the book is divided into three parts and considers the development of systems, hardware requirements and the application of software packages available for use in the MS DOS environment, in what are arguably the most important aspects of the information profession: Part One - information retrieval; Part Two - library and information service housekeeping; and Part Three - management information systems. The book covers topical aspects of automation in the information profession such as online facilities, decision support systems, and local area networks. Software considered includes major names such as dBase 111 and ill+, Smart, Open Access, Headline, Tinman and MicroCairs. Some more obscure packages are also included, for example, the Class and Cars package developed by G & G Software. Written in a straightforward style, each case study outlines not only the background to their particular project, but also the criteria the software had to meet in the particular circumstances of each application and the method by which the decision to purchase a particular package was reached. System design and functions are also covered in some detail and a general theme of the book is the importance of careful systems analysis. In addition to the advantages of automating systems, problems encountered and disadvantages are also explained, describing the features of the packages and also their limitations. In general the book gives the
whole process of developing automated systems for information management a well rounded and fair treatment, the overall tone of the book being one of enthusiasm for the capabilities and power afforded by such applications to the daily routines of library and information work. Turning to the sections of the book in particular, it would be fair to say that usefulness of each section will depend on the reader’s particular area of interest. Part One, concerning information storage and retrieval, assumes some knowledge of information storage and retrieval techniques as jargon relating to those aspects does tend to creep into the text. However, the section provides useful tips for the newly qualified manager which could be applied to any powerful database management system, and a useful ‘memory jogger’ for those .with more experience. Part Two, on library and information service housekeeping systems, whilst describing the application and use of a variety of also considers the human systems, aspect of automation, often overlooked by this sort of study. In particular the section pays attention to training needs and desirable approaches by which to achieve a positive attitude to automation. Part Three consists of only one case study on the development of a decision support system and presents a detailed and quite complicated description of the system, whilst also offering comments on the implications of decision support systems in library environments, where, it is stated, management information systems have failed to meet demands, arguably particularly pertinent in today’s political environment of financial c:ontrols and budgetary cuts. In general, a book such as this will date quickly as both software and hardware are improved and revised by the manufacturers. The book does, however, present a useful state-of-theart review of software applications from which new and experiened librarians and information managers may
gain useful insights into a variety of situational applications which could provide pointers for the development of practical systems for their own environment, and the book contains a bibliography which points to further useful texts for managers wishing to increase their understanding and knowledge of the capabilities of software and systems in the information field. Overall opinion? Not for the complete novice, but useful tool for those with some experience looking for practical guidance. A. Stevenson Information Services Manager North Derbyshire Health Authority UK
Janice Burn and Eveline Caldwell. Management of information systems technology. Henley-on-Thames: Alfred Wailer, 1990. 262 pp. ISBN 1 872474 00 4. What a refreshing change I found it to pick up a book in the information systems field that has not been written by an American, with the inevitable American case studies. This book, written by two Europeans, has a distinctively ‘Eastern’ feel since the two authors are currently teaching and researching in Hong Kong. The philosophy of the book is that in any organization it is important to look at the information needs and then design a suitable system. Or, as the back cover puts it: ‘the major emphasis of this book is the identification and development of the most effective type of information systems for a particular organization’. The reader may wonder what this has to do with the ‘management of information technology’ which is the title of the book. Having read all three parts of this book I am still left with the feeling that the title is somewhat of a misnomer. The three parts of the book cover: strategic modelling, strategies for in-
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