Learn Basic Library Skills

Citation

Satija, M.P. (1999), "Learn Basic Library Skills", Asian Libraries, Vol. 8 No. 9, pp. 361-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1999.8.9.361.8

This basic introduction to the routine procedures in managing a library explains not only the “how” but also “what” and “why” of various library operations. Written as a textbook for the students of (Australian) National Competency‐based Certificates II and III, and for the Diploma in Library and Information Studies, it covers a part of their syllabus. But it comes out essentially as a practical manual for beginners in library procedures, techniques and administration.

It will be pre‐eminently useful to managers of small libraries. It is a self‐study and a how‐to‐do‐it manual. There are 11 chapters covering most of the day‐to‐day library chores. The first chapter gives an overview of basic library skills in backdrop of the wider purpose of a library and its services. The next three chapters are on bibliographic records and their creation in manual and electronic environments. The fifth chapter, on circulation systems, provides details of kinds of systems, and the sorts of records to be maintained. The next chapter covers the acquisition of monographs: here are ordering, checking of receipts and payment of bills. The acquisition and control of serial publications has a separate chapter, the largest in the book. The eighth chapter, on collection maintenance, deals with the storing, displaying, shelving, making space for new additions, and maintaining and preserving materials. Preservation techniques are explained more fully in the next chapter, and the final chapter describes stock taking and weeding.

A chapter each on personnel management, budgeting, and model library rules would have made this a complete handbook, usable anywhere, for managing small and medium‐sized libraries. Though most of the examples are Australian, they seem applicable everywhere. This well‐illustrated text includes a useful glossary (pp. 279‐93), and each chapter includes summaries and revision quizzes, with answers at the end of the book. This is a welcome and valuable book for beginners.