Nancy Courtney, Ed.

Computers for library idiots this book is not. Designed as an introduction to technology for those who communicate with the techi-demi-gods who often run the place, this collection of topics is written by knowledgeable professionals, such as the familiar Walt Crawford. Here is a list of the topics covered to give the reader a clue whether to purchase this collection: “Computer Networks”; “Wireless Local Area Networks”; “Cybertheft, Network Security, and the Library Without Walls”; “Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)”; “Blogs and RSS”; “Introduction to XML”; “The Open Archives Initiative Protocol”; “International Repositories”; “Adaptive Technologies”; and “Let’s Get Digital.”  While not for complete idiots, the essays are quite readable, particularly for those who have decided it is time to sit down and concentrate on a technology with which they are somewhat familiar.

Originally designed as a professional development conference, the editor selected topics from a conference for academic librarians and then sought authors to write articles for folks needing the information. If the majority of the topics are of interest to you as a teacher-librarian—or are a complete mystery—then this book is worth the price as a quick introduction and a guide to the jargon. (Libraries Unlimited, 2005. 192 pp. $40.00. 1-59158-233-4.)

Bottom line: Worth a look. David Leortscher