This is, in a sense, the sequel to the Aslib Handbook of information management but has undergone a significant transformation under new editors, with a number of new sections such as information literacy and fake news. First impressions are that the book has grown substantially from 26 chapters in 546 pages in the 8th edition to the current 887 pages in 35 chapters with introductions to each of the three sections and three views from bosses at the end. It is aimed at MLS students and information professionals; with discussions of current challenges and how to surmount them. The editors have performed an excellent job of integrating varied chapters from a large group of authors so that the book can be read sequentially or in relevant sections.
The first section covers context, or the wider environment information professionals operate in; from the great disruptor Google to the challenges of social media and veracity of sources, to the organisational challenges of productivity and cost reduction. One of the best chapters in this section is about sustainability and how information services can, not just survive but thrive through aligning with the parent organisation's strategy. The tables, case studies and reflective questions are particularly helpful. It is a timely reminder that being able to demonstrate unique value in horizon scanning for the whole organisation and competitive intelligence reinforces the indispensable value of information professionals as problem solvers.
The balanced scorecard forms the second and largest part of the book and has the greatest value for special libraries and information services including a variety of metrics such as customer and learning and growth. The information audit section, as a key part of risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, will be of interest to many information service managers. Fidelity Labs as a case study offers a fascinating focus on training users to self-serve basic needs freeing the information professionals to take a more analytical role as information consultants, anticipating information needs and focus on complex higher value research. Marketing their expertise proved invaluable to developing a thriving service.The information literacy chapter highlighting the gap between student perceptions of their research skills and the realities in practice will be very familiar to information professionals involved in training sessions but it offers many practical tips on preparing and evaluating the effectiveness of training.
Epilogue, all progress is change is a mixture of chapters which does not quite blend as cohesively as the previous two sections but still contains a lot of fascinating and useful resources such as free resources to help manipulate big data, recruitment and three pieces from high level managers, including the CIO of a law firm about how they as users value their information services.
There is a lot of practical advice based on the authors’ experiences and helpful use of diagrams, screen shots and case studies without these being intrusive. It is an excellent source for MLS students but has much to offer to working information professionals in terms of refreshers such as negotiating database deals with checklists to re-read at appropriate times. It is impossible to do justice to the whole book but highlights include; the case studies on rethinking physical space using academic, public and special libraries, how to structure a business case and what to include in it with seven case studies and the sections on evaluation to demonstrate value in the areas stakeholders will understand and consider important. The information literacy section includes practical lesson plans and interesting case studies for meeting training needs in three scenarios. Notes and references at the end of each chapter provide comprehensive further reading.
There is a US bias to the book which does not generally affect the usefulness apart from the copyright section which would have benefitted from at least covering GDPR. The education for success chapter uses the American Association of Law Librarians competencies and although it mentions other professional associations to amalgamate a list of universal competencies it surprisingly does not specifically mention CILIP or BIALL.
An optimistic and enthusing book about the potential future opportunities available to information professionals and the value of their skills if they are prepared connect with their users’ greatest challenges and move into more pro-active analytical roles. I would recommend anyone starting out on their information career or considering how to ensure the sustainability of their service buying or borrowing a copy as an invaluable guide.
