Multimedia Information Resources

Citation

O’Connell, J. (1998), "Multimedia Information Resources", Asian Libraries, Vol. 7 No. 6, pp. 145-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1998.7.6.145.9

This volume represents a practical resource for collection development and management of non‐book resources, especially as every possible information format is treated in this comprehensive guide, as are most relevant professional issues. Coverage includes: lending and user services; developing a multimedia programme; the multimedia centre; sound recordings; motion picture and videorecordings; electronic information resources; microforms; still projected materials; graphic materials; kits, games, dioramas, models, toys and realia.

Multimedia Information Resources is based on Non‐book Materials, the second edition of which was published in 1981. The revision (carried out by McNally as Visiting Fellow in the School of Information, Library and Archive Studies at the University of NSW) is thorough and as such will find a ready niche in library and information science courses around the country. The scope of McNally’s work should also make it an excellent management tool for school and public librarians in senior positions looking for a concise reference volume on the topic, for general planning, and use as an in‐house training manual on collection development, bibliographic organisation, storage, user access, hardware and copyright.

The widespread acceptance of multimedia materials as information and recreational resources in the general community makes it all the more imperative that a re‐evaluation of collection policies be undertaken at regular intervals. With a focus on the library user, McNally provides clearcut evaluation criteria for policy development and implementation which are responsive to the changes taking place in multimedia storage and access. The beauty of the book is that it is comprehensive, but also makes no assumptions about the knowledge of the reader of the book. Each chapter places the content being covered correctly and precisely into context. This is the key strength of this work as a teaching, management and re‐evaluation tool; for it is true to say that experienced and new information professionals alike are all being challenged to “re‐make” user services by the sheer speed and breadth of change in the field of multimedia information resources. McNally is a most worthwhile addition to our library shelves.