Burke’s fourth edition of 'The Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion'

CHICAGO— Booklist wrote that the third edition of “The Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff,” by John J. Burke, “truly succeeds in elucidating the complexities of library technology and should prove a welcome addition to all libraries.” The fourth edition, newly revised and updated, is a perfect primer for LIS students and should be at the top of the list for any current or future library professional looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancement. This all-in-one guide helps readers contribute to improving institutional performance, boost productivity and stay connected to the latest library technology topics and tools by offering incisive coverage of:

• Library technology basics, with a historical overview providing context, suggested resources for staying up to date and a chapter on appraising and purchasing equipment and putting systems into operation;
• Technology tools, including computers of all kinds (desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices), office applications, the wireless world, the vast changes and potential of library catalogs and databases, social media and much more;
• How libraries put technology to work through adaptive/assistive technology, virtual reference, blogs, screencasting, distance learning and other day-to-day workflow;
• Building and maintaining technology, offering guidance on spam, spyware, security strips and other dangers of the cyberworld, plus troubleshooting tips for typical technology problems and advice on making technology environments comfortable for users;
• The importance of long-range technology planning and how to take steps to start the planning process.

Burke is the director of the Gardner-Harvey Library on the Middletown regional campus of Miami University, Ohio, and a past president of the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO). He has held positions in systems, reference and public service and was program director for a web-based associate degree in library technology at the University of Cincinnati – Raymond Walters College. Author of the books “IntroNet: A Beginner’s Guide to Searching the Internet” and “Learning the Internet: A Workbook for Beginners,” and coauthor of "Embedding Librarianship in Learning Management Systems: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians," he has presented on a variety of technology topics at various national, state and regional conferences including ALA, ACRL, LOEX, and the LITA National Forum.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Founded in 1976 by Patricia Glass Schuman and John Vincent Neal, Neal-Schuman Publishers, now an imprint of ALA Publishing, publishes professional books for librarians, archivists, and knowledge managers. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.

Related Links

"The Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion, Fourth Edition: A Basic Guide for Library Staff"

"Embedding Librarianship in Learning Management Systems: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians"

"THE TECH SET® #11-20"