Systems Analysis for Librarians and Information Professionals

by Larry N. Osborne, Margaret Nakamura

Rational and methodical, systems analysis has been used successfully by business, industry, and research organizations. This new edition employs basic elements from the business world to show users how to apply systems analysis effectively to any library setting. Updating Osborne and Nakamura's previous work, the book fills a tremendous need in the field. It introduces readers to the steps in the process-from identifying and defining problems and collecting and analyzing data to selecting strategies for implementation and proof of the systems. The limitations of systems analysis, an overview of the rationale for applying it to problem situations, and many real-life examples illustrate the principles. A new chapter on object-oriented techniques, additional idea-generating techniques, and the inclusion of case studies invites readers to put these principles into practice. Practical and easy-to-read, this work will benefit students of information studies as well as professionals in the field, particul

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology

261 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the assigned textbooks for a Systems Analysis and Project Management class. I liked the way the information was presented, and I’d recommend more recently written textbooks by these authors (if they’ve written any), but it’s about 20 years old, and the references to technology, at least, are outdated.

Read most, but not all chapters.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated but good overview of the systems analysis process applied to libraries and library technologies. Dealing with staff and human interactions is a big theme in the book in addition to the systems processes.

[Hillary]

least painful of all my LIS texts