Book Review: Planning for Automation

Book Review:

Planning for Automation : A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (No. 78)
by John M. Cohn, Ann L. Kelsey and Keith Michael Fiels. Second Edition, Neal-Schuman Publishers Inc., 1997 (ISBN: 1-55570-313-5).

Librarians looking for direction on how to manage a library automation project (especially those who have never managed an automation project) should check out Number 78 of the How-To-Do-It Manuals for Librarians, Planning for Automation. Authors John Cohn, Ann Kelsey and Keith Michael Fiels provide a step-by-step outline of the process of selecting and implementing an integrated library system in a small to medium sized library. While no subject is treated in great depth, the authors map out the process (from planning through implementation) clearly and concisely. The strength of this manual lies in the many worksheets, checklists and sample forms included:

Basic Data Worksheet
Basic Technology Assessment Worksheet
Basic Needs Assessment Worksheet
Technology Planning Worksheet
Allocation of Consortium Assessment
Sample Specifications Checklist
Notice of Intent to Respond Form
System Specification Response Form
Equipment List Form
Price Quotation Form
Vendor Client Question List
Vendor Proposal Scoring Sheet
Checklist of Shelflist Problems: A Sampling

Contents include:

Part I: Creating a Basic Technology Plan

Chapter 1: Describing Existing Library Services
Chapter 2: Assessing Needs and Setting Priorities
Chapter 3: Writing Your Technology Strategic Plan
Chapter 4: A Model Two-Day Process for Developing a Basic Strategic Plan

Part II: Selecting and Implementing Systems

Chapter 5: Identifying Technological Options for Automation
Chapter 6: Translating Needs and Priorities into Specifications for Networked Systems
Chapter 7: Turning Your Specifications into a Request for Vendor Proposals
Chapter 8: Evaluating Proposals
Chapter 9: Putting Your System into Place
Chapter 10: Training! Training! Training!

Part III: Planning System Databases

Chapter 11: Retrospective Conversion
Chapter 12: Maintaining the Bibliographic Database
Chapter 13: Bar Coding
Chapter 14: Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC)
Chapter 15: Standards

Conclusion: Planning for the Future

Appendix: Working with Consultants

Besides the handy checklists, forms, etc., the authors also provide references to futher reading at the end of each chapter. This book is a must read for anyone responsible for management of the library automation process.

Authors John Cohn and Ann Kelsey are principals of the library automation and management consulting firm, DocuMentors.

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