Book Review: The Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff, 5th ed.

Abstract

The aim of the Library Technology Companion is to be a portal to information about any kind of technology for staff or patron use that your library might need to achieve its mission. A resource of this type can be helpful in many ways: as a starting point for developing a technology plan, as a means of educating yourself about technology you are considering acquiring, as a roadmap for planning your own or your staff’s continuing education, or simply as a handy reference for the questions about technology that arise from time to time. Due to the rapid pace at which technology changes, one of the first things this reviewer examined was how current this new edition is. In that regard, this book really shines. An entire chapter, new to this edition, is devoted to makerspaces. This volume also provides good coverage of emerging trends, addressing questions such as “Should we keep buying DVDs or rely on streaming services?” Readers will find answers in a chapter aptly titled “The Death of Technologies.” The book concludes with an overview of technology trends to watch and suggestions about where to hang out (online) to stay informed.