Planning for Integrated Systems and Technologies: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians

by John M. Cohn

Find out what you should and need to know in this practical guide to planning for today's new technological environment--everything from assessing infrastructure to migrating to new systems. Inspired by the authors' landmark Planning for Automation (2nd Edition, Neal-Schuman, 1997), this comprehensive guide is intended for medium and small libraries of all types. Whether installing a system for the first time or replacing one, you'll find invaluable information and techniques for assessing, acquiring, using, and maintaining an automated system. A step-by-step section on selection and implementation covers everything from preparing RFPs and evaluating vendor proposals to negotiating contracts, testing, and training. Chapters cover how integrated systems can be configured to enable access to Web resources and new formats, exploring and planning for today's evolving information environment, and new and emerging standards for new formats like e-books. You'll also find detailed guidance on how to find, select, and work with a consultant. You'll want to keep this invaluable guide close at hand throughout the automation process.

205 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001