E-Journals: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Building, Managing,
and Supporting Electronic Journal Collections
By Donnelyn Curtis, with contributions by Virginia M. Scheschy
A Review
Filled with practical tips, expert advice, and detailed analysis of all aspects of electronic journals, Donnelyn Curtis' E-Journalsis a remarkably comprehensive guide for librarians seeking information on this rapidly growing format. With help from Virginia M. Scheschy, Curtis, one of the leading experts on electronic journals, has written perhaps the most complete guide currently available on this topic. Curtis takes readers step-by-step through the process of selecting, purchasing, organizing, managing, and evaluating collections of electronic journals. This guide effectively illuminates the many dark corners of this relatively new, and in many ways complex, topic. Admittedly, it appears to be geared more towards administrators, collection development managers, and acquisitions librarians rather than catalogers, but cataloging is addressed. This point will be explored further below.
As with other Neal-Schuman manuals, this one is clearly organized and serves as an excellent source for both quick answers and in-depth analyses. The nine chapters are divided into subsections that clearly show the topic being addressed. There is a remarkable wealth of information contained in the book's 400-plus pages, so bulleted lists and graphics are used liberally to clarify and simplify the information. Each chapter opens with an overview that clearly summarizes its contents, and each concludes with copious references and sources for further reading, both print and electronic. Thus, E-Journals is both a comprehensive source of information and a starting point for even more information.
Perhaps the most interesting section in the entire book is the chapter entitled, "Understanding Users of Online Resources", which discusses how information seekers search Web resources, how libraries can attract more users and provide more efficient information services, and how electronic journals fit into patrons' information-seeking habits and needs. Curtis obviously believes in the importance of electronic journals in an increasingly computer-reliant world, and her thoughts and advice are consistently wise.
With a mere nineteen pages devoted to cataloging, this book seems to be directed towards other information professionals than catalogers. Still, while the cataloging section is brief, it is extremely enlightening and useful, although this is more on a philosophical level than a practical one. Therefore, those already familiar with cataloging electronic journals will likely discover food for thought in Curtis' discussions on this topic. Furthermore, cataloging managers and supervisors should benefit greatly from Curtis' discussions on important workflow issues and policy-making. However, it must be said that neophytes looking for practical advice on cataloging this challenging format will need to find it elsewhere--in any of the several useful and practical electronic journal cataloging guides currently available.
Decision-makers and money-spenders will benefit the most from Curtis' expert advice, in-depth analysis, and thought-provoking discussions. It is a welcome addition to the literature on the bourgeoning field of electronic journals. In fact, as this format becomes more popular, a book like this becomes increasingly important.
Published in 2004 by: Neal- Schuman Publishers, Inc., New York, New York. ( xvi, 421 p.) ISBN 1-55570-465-4 (pbk.-$75.00) How-To-Do-It Manuals for Librarians: no. 134.
Reviewed by: Douglas King
Special Materials Cataloger
Thomas Cooper Library
University of South Carolina
Last updated: December 8, 2005
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