The Cybrarian's Guide to Developing Successful Internet Programs and Services by Diane Kovacs, Michael Kovacs

From the Publisher

This instructive guide is designed to help librarians in all settings become successful producers and providers of information on the Internet. Using case studies of successful projects to demonstrate proven strategies and approaches, the manual will show you how to develop and provide services on the Internet, including: electronic journals and newsletters, reference collections, literary collections, showcases for local or organizational talent, and news and information services; and Internet training and distance education through the Internet. The authors also cover providing traditional library services and information on the Internet, including schedules, resource guides and bibliographies, interlibrary loan, new book recommendations, reference services, and more.

Throughout, the guide emphasizes practical applications and realistic implementations, with step-by-step instructions on how to plan a project, assess equipment and software needs, provide staffing and training for the project, and create and maintain the Internet products and services that best meet your patrons' needs. Appendixes list Internet software for different computer platforms; "Just Enough UNIX", UNIX commands for Web maintenance; and an annotated directory of URL links to selected Internet tutorials and FAQs for installing and maintaining Internet services software.

Library Journal

Even if you are the type of librarian who snickers (or cringes) at the term "cybrarian," you will find this book useful. Despite the fatuous phrase, this is not a fanciful book on "virtual" libraries but one on creating real Internet services, programs, and information products. It is for those librarians who are already familiar with E-mail, ftp, gopher, the World Wide Web, and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and who wish to become an "Internet Information Producer and Provider" (IIPOP). The types of IIPOP services covered include Internet instruction and distance education programs, marketing library services on the Internet, creating an electronic library, publishing an electronic journal or newsletter, and creating specialized Internet information products. The main chapters discuss the planning, implementation, and maintenance of these services and provide 18 pertinent case studies of successful library projects, each including a description, contact person, E-mail address or WWW homepage address, and, if appropriate, a screen image of the homepage. Appendixes feature sources of client/server software, a selected list of tutorials on setting up Internet service and client software, a basic primer on UNIX, directory of IIPOP discussion lists and newsgroups, and a bibliography for IIPOPs. The authors take pains to provide realistic scenarios and encourage librarians to think carefully about the costs and benefits of attempting such a service. Although the price is steep, the book presents practical expertise gleaned from the authors' experiences as Internet consultants. Recommended for librarians seriously considering providing Internet programs and services.Robert Battenfeld, Long Island Univ.-Southampton Lib., N.Y.

Booknews

Written for librarians who are already very familiar with the Internet, the guide describes how to plan, implement, and maintain a local library Web site as an electronic library; plan, implement, and maintain an electronic journal or newsletter; and use the Internet to provide distance education. Chapters cover basic and ideal Internet connectivity and computer platforms required; writing a project plan, assessing equipment and software needs, staffing, and training; creating the Internet application; and staffing issues, upgrades, and expansions. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Product Details

• ISBN: 1555702872
  
• ISBN-13: 9781555702878
• Format: Hardcover, 150pp
• Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Incorporated
• Pub. Date: May 1997
• Series: Neal-Schuman Netguide Ser.

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents