ante results from the poor print quality and absence of italics and proportional fonts. The rapid development of microcomputer tech- nolog

r

notwithstanding, most thearticlescited here other than software reviews) are still relevant. Recommendation-“Thisvolumeprovidesan excellent and exhaustive listing of the microcomputingportion of library literature,” though users must also seek out more recent writings. Reviewer-David Carlson Collection Management, Vol. 16, no. 2,1992, p. 127-28 YGealsoMay1992 p. 127;Nov. 1991 p. 333; July 1991 p. 192

Networks and Bibliographic Utilities

Directory ol Computer Conkrenclng In Ubraries, by Brlan Wllllams. Wes@oft. Cl: Meckler, 1992. 429p. $59 ISBN a88736 771-2. LC91-39968. (SupplementstoCom- puters In Ubrarles. no. 36.) Perm. paper.

This work tries to provide: “an introduction to computerconferencing...; data for a compari- son of computer conferencing software and

. . servlces, . ..information on accessing systems via various networks; [and] a basic set of resources that can be used to obtain more information.” The two introductory chapters define computer conferencing, place it in context with other computer-based commu- nication, list typical features of conferencing systems, and suggest applications. The fol- lowing3 importantchapters-whichdescribe 8 relevantsoftwareproducts, 14 conferencing systems, and 6 networks provide the prom- ised (and useful) data for comparison, but no actual comparison via analysis or synthesis. A final chapter supplies names and addresses of “parties involved with computer conferencing.” The remainder of the book (231 pages) comprises 8 appendices and a substantial bibliography. “The presentation of information...tends to be confusing”: there is much downloaded text with no explana- tion, and though some of this is useful, the uninitiated reader may not realize its value. Finally, the work would benefit from an index and more rigorous editing. Recommendation-This is an optional pur- chase, especially since it is not particularly oriented toward libraries, the title notwith- standing. Reviewer-Priscilla Caplan information Technology and Libraries, Dec. 1992, p. 446

Recommendation-The work includes an excellent introduction to computer conferencing, a helpfuldirectotyofresources, and an extensive bibliography, but the value of many of the remaining contents is unclear. The survey of systems presents useful data,

gut does not facilitate understanding of the systems strengths, weaknesses, and differ- 2nces. More sharing of Williams’ expertise and less reprinting of downloaded text would improve this book. Reviewer-Gord Nickerson CD-ROM Professional, Jan. 1993, p. 149 *See also Jan. 1993 p. 399; July 1992 p. 191

library LANs: Case Studies in Practice and Applkatlon, ed. by Marshall Breedlng. Westport, CT: Meckler, 1992.403~. $42.50 ISBN 0-88736-786-O. LC 91-35665. (Supple ments to Computers In Ubrarles, Vol. 39.) Perm. paper.

This work will help librarians new to LANs to sort through the various networking options and help those already operating a LAN to evaluate it and consider modifications. A full introductory chapter includes an overview of networking concepts (e.g., diverse models), explanations of typical LAN components, definitions of technical terms, diagrams of network topologies, and a shortbibliography. The following case studies, representing vari- ous types of libraries and operating systems, are arranged in four groups: “Macintosh net- works;networksspecificallydesignedforCD- ROM; small, general-purpose networks; and large, multipurpose networks.” The descrip- tions of the library and campus environments help to explain why specific network operat- ing systems or protocols were selected, and demonstrate the diverse roles that libraries play in the development of campus network- ing. Some studies include lists of lessons learned, futureplans, bibliographies, and price lists, and many provide diagrams. A vendor list and index follow the case studies. Recommendation-This will be a useful ad- dition tocollectionson networking. Although the information on prices and specific models will soon be outdated, the rest of work will retain its value. Reviewer-Janet Woody Information Technology and Libraries, Dec. 1992, p. 443-44 *See alsoJan. 1993 p. 400; Nov. 1992 p. 33 1; May 1992 p. 127

PC Magazine Guide to Connecttvtty. 2nd ed. 463~. ISBN l-56276-047-5.

PC Magazine Guide to linking LAN% 293~. ISBN l-56276-031-9.

Ea. vol.: by Frank Derfler, Jr. Emeryvllle, CA: Ziff-Davis, 1992. $39.95 (paper).

+ n A sure trend of the nineties among businesses, libraries, and information centers is connectivity, for interoperation among com- puters promotes “enhanced and transparent information access.” Both of these excellent titles will help readers through the seemingly mystical realms of communications and net- working. Writing with authority but in plain language, Detfler offers practical advice that facilitates immediate results. Concepts are supported by references to (and photographs

specific proven products. The Guide to Con&ctivitycovers issues ranging from simple ohvsicaldevicesharineto”full-blownmedia- ;h&ing local area ne&orks.” The core of the work, chapters 5-9, is a virtual LAN tutorial. One reservation concerns theappendix, where entries for products use the product name as the header but are arranged by manufacturer. Balancing this weakness are the excellent figures, valuable glossary, and two accompa- nying diskettes, which contain versions of commercial soFtware packages. Commend- ably, Derfler does not promote LANs for all situations, and notes many alternatives. Man- agers who have implemented multiple LANs and want them to work together can proceed to the Guide to Linking LANs, which ad- dresses “enterprise-wide computing.” Again there are good discussions of various connec- tion approaches, their hardware/software implementations, equipment, decisions man- agers must make, and consequences. This work also considers the linkage media con- necting remote LANs. Recommendation-Both books are highly recommended. The Guide to Connecfivify”is themostunderstandableanduseful treatment of this subject I’ve seen to date.” For libraries that have already implemented LANs, how- ever, the Guide to Linking LANsmay be more appropriate. Reviewer-Ron Vasaturo Technicalities, Oct. 1992, p. 13-l 4

Wide-Area Networks: Technology, Appll- cations, and Trends, eci. by Gregory Zuck and B. Flanders. W&port, CT: Meckler, 1992. 152~. $39.50 ISBN o-88736-841-7. LC 92-4 1407. (Supplements to Computers In Libraries, no. 58.) Perm. paper.

H The title of this collection seems to apply mainly to Zuck’s introduction, which does indeed describe WAN technology, summa- rizelocalandregionalapplications, andpoint out trends concerning protocols, standards, and network systems including BITNET and the Internet. Zuck’s explanations are com- mendably clear and jargon-free; one looks in vain, however, for some statement on the purpose of the volume as a whole. Five of the remaining six contributions are case studies concerning WANs at specific sites (and writ- ten bypersons af those sites): KICNET, admin- istered by the Kansas State Library; a WAN linking the two campuses of Arizona State University; OhioLINK; JANET, the United KingdomJoint Academic Network; and WAN applications in Slovenia. Although varied in format and length, many of these studies cover the WAN history, networkdesign, costs and funding, administrative issues, library benefits, and planning for the future. The remaining essay addresses the information network used by researchers in high energy physics, with emphasis on contributions by CERN. The articles are followed by: a most useful 7-page glossary explaining protocols, standards, and acronyms; identifications and contact information for the contributors; and a 12-page index.-Eds.

the Joumal of Academic Librarianship, March 1993 55