Lan Anh TranVictoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

E-mail address: lan.anh.tran@vuw.ac.nz

doi:10.1016/j.lcats.2008.01.008

Library/Vendor RelationshipsEd. by Sam Brooks and David H. Carlson. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Information Press, 2006.232 pp. US$24.95 soft cover, ISBN 13: 9780789033529 (also published as Journal of LibraryAdministration 44, 3/4)

This volume explores the nature and importance of library/vendor relationships. The editorscontend that the level of dependency of libraries on vendors has increased over time and is nowat an unprecedented level. Their intent is to examine this growing dependency from the libraryand vendor perspective.

The volume begins with two introductory papers authored by the editors that offer a vendorand library view of the issue. The editors effectively frame the discussion that will follow andprovide useful background information. The introductory papers are followed by 14 contributedpapers and an index.

One of the strengths of the volume is the inclusion of contributed papers addressing avariety of topics from different perspectives. For example, librarians address vendor relationsfrom the perspective of different library environments – academic, public, government,community college – and a library consortium. A paper co-authored by a librarian and an ILSvendor discusses the successful implementation of e-commerce software in a public librarysystem. The breadth of coverage adds value to this volume.

One of the more noteworthy papers is an interesting discussion of business and scienceethics. The author discusses the role of libraries and vendors as partners in an ever-changingsocial environment.

The importance of developing and maintaining communication channels is emphasizedthroughout the volume. Papers review the growing importance of vendor advisory and gover-nance boards, such as the OCLC Members Council. A paper on the importance of electronicdiscussion lists as a communications tool provides useful information on e-mail etiquette andresponsible communication.

As can be the case with a collection of contributed papers, not all of the contributorsadequately address the intent of the volume. In a few cases emphasis is on publisherservices but not necessarily the role of the library as a partner in the development ofthese new services and products. However, the overall quality of the contributed papers isgood.

This volume provides an interesting discussion of library/vendor relationships. Librariesneed vendors, but vendors also need libraries. Development and maintenance of positiveworking relationships, mutually beneficial to both libraries and vendors, is important. Usefulinformation is provided for librarians and vendors, and the work is recommended for libraryscience collections.

234 Reviews

Robert Alan126 Paterno Library

Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA 16802, USA

E-mail address: roa1@psulias.psu.edu

doi:10.1016/j.lcats.2008.01.007

Electronic Media Management(5th ed) By Peter K. Pringle and Michael F. Starr. Oxford: Focal Press, 2006. 407 pp. D64.95soft cover ISBN 0240806395

The authors of this volume want to prepare readers to “handle the complexities of today'selectronic media environment.” They successfully meet this goal in the fifth edition of thisstandard work, where they not only provide basic information on the electronic media field butalso keep the reader up-to-date on the latest trends in the discipline.

Grounding their information in an overall view of management theory, they discuss allaspects of electronic media management. Starting with a view of how management of abroadcast station (both radio and television) works they move to various aspects of theadministration of these organizations, including finance, human resources, programming,sales, promotion and marketing, and regulation. Each chapter not only contains anexcellent explanation of the topic, including current trends, but also expands this in asection on “What's ahead?” that relates future issues to the matter discussed. A case studyand exercises at the end of each chapter allow the reader to put concepts into practice.Further strengths include sections on management of cable TV and public broadcastingstations. A final chapter discusses how those interested in this field can enter theprofession, including finding employment as a manager of a broadcast facility, buying anexisting station or starting a station. A glossary and comprehensive bibliography round outthe volume.

In all, this is an important, up-to-date work on an industry that has changed rapidly over thepast few years. It is recommended as a textbook for any course in electronic media managementbut is also an outstanding purchase for librarians who wish to keep their collection current onthis topic. It would also be of interest to anyone in a library, school or institution of highereducation that manages a broadcast facility.

Dolores FidishunPenn State Great Valley Library

30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355, USAE-mail address: dxf19@psu.edu

doi:10.1016/j.lcats.2008.01.006

235Reviews