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Rating: 
Summary: The Essential "How-To" Manual for These Issues
Review: _Planning for Integrated Systems and Technologies_, in keeping with its subtitle, really is a step-by-step, "how-to-do-it" guide that even the most technologically-illiterate librarian should have no trouble using to make effective decisions when planning for and purchasing a multipurpose electronic database. The book is particularly useful, in that it isn't directed only to first-time planners/purchasers, but can also be used effectively by those librarians who are evaluating existing systems and thinking about a replacement, a circumstance this reviewer finds himself in at the moment.
Each chapter is clearly laid out, with checklists and other charts, which may be photocopied and used as appropriate. At the end of each chapter, there is an annotated list of bibliographic references which may consulted for futher information. The authors take readers through the planning process, to providing advice on how to deal with vendors and service providers, to reviewing the system once it is in place and how to plan for the future. There are chapters on MARC records cataloging, retrospective conversion, and new standards for emerging formats, such as e-books, as well as an appendix on how to deal with outside consultants.
All in all, this book is one of the more effectively written and organized texts that this reviewer has come across. It will no doubt become the essential "how-to"manual for dealing with these issues. Very highly recommended!
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