Achieving Cultural Change in Networked Libraries - Tapa dura

'Very readable text ... The text of this book is high on the readability scale and well supported by an index, glossary and lists of contents, tables and figures. Students and researchers will find the comprehensive list of references accompanying each chapter an invaluable resource for further study. These references are evidence of the thorough research underpinning which characterises this volume.' Program 'The editors should be congratulated for putting together such a thought-provoking range of perspectives. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the practicalities of managing and dealing with change but the theories that underpin organisational culture are never far away. Anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of cultural change in academic libraries or who is (about to be) involved in a major restructuring exercise will gain helpful advice in this impressive volume.' Library Association Record 'All in all, there is likely to be something of value in the book for anyone interested in the organisational impact of electronic information services.' UKOLUG Newsletter 'It is probably the closeness of the authors to the material they are discussing which succeeds in bringing the text very much to life ... a credible all-round guide both for the information science student and the concerned professional. At a time when our industry is moving so fast, we need to make the space to read and digest books such as this.' Managing Information 'It is a very good, generally well written and interesting book ... Ultimately this is a very positive book ... it describes a period of transition and change and shows ways in which that can be embraced. This is a major book with a firm UK basis and perspective and should be critically enjoyed.' Library Review 'This intriguing and challenging publication ... on an important initiative ... one designed to ensure that libraries can successfully navigate from the print to the digital age. Those academic libraries already travelling in this direction, or wishing to embark on the journey, will find it most useful.' The Australian Library Journal 'All in all, there is likely to be something of value in the book for anyone interested in the organisational impact of electronic information services.' UK Online User Group website 'There is timeliness about this book. The advent of globally networked information is an historic and significant change. The book provides guidance and outlines best practice in: managing converging technologies, supporting change with organisational models, using cultural audits, the role of focus groups in implementing change, characterising a learning organisation, succeeding as a change agent and managing change through technical services. It comes strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in these areas.' The Australian Library Journal '...the book is extremely accessible, well written and researched, and provides useful discussion points for any students or professionals interested in how the role of the LIS professional, and the library itself, is evolving in the networked era. The balanced approach between the technical and human is to be admired, too often one or other of the elements is ignored in library literature, and I can certainly envisage recommending several of the chapters as recommended reading. An interesting and worthy publication.' Learning and Teaching Support Network for Information and Computer Sciences - www.ics.ltsn.ac.uk 'there is likely to be something of value in the book for anyone interested in the organisational impact of electronic information services.' Christine Urquhart, Department of Information and Library Studies, University of Wales

The advent of globally networked information is a historic change. Educational, commercial and industrial institutions depend on its effective exploitation for their success, but cultural and human factors are the biggest obstacles. This book looks at the roots of these problems and how they may be overcome, through understanding recent developments in technical services, the difference between service and technical orientation, organizational culture, the role of subject expertise and the cultural heritage of the information profession. The book provides guidance and outlines best practice in: managing converging technologies; supporting change with organizational models; using cultural audits; the role of focus groups in implementing change; characterizing a learning organization; succeeding as a change agent, and managing change through technical services. Several chapters discuss the Electronic Libraries programme and the TAPin (Training and Awareness Programme in networks) model as examples of how cultural change takes place, particularly in the academic environment; one chapter concentrates exclusively on the characteristics of special libraries. This illuminating insight into the evolution of information cultures and how they do or don’t adapt to networked services will help information and library managers to achieve change with deeper understanding, and will provide useful advice for senior managers restructuring IT and information departments. The book is core reading for students of Information Studies.