Contents: Preface. 1. Modern library administration. 2. Dynamic library functions. 3. Management approach. 4. Organisation and motivation. 5. Public relations in libraries. 6. Training and leadership. 7. Evaluation of automation techniques. 8. Problems and prospects. Index.

"The rapid and exponential growth of information has made it necessary for librarians and information scientists to employ new techniques to cope with the massive proliferation of literature in all the subject fields. The information is valuable only if it is retrieved timely and is cost effective. So, in this age of information explosion, keeping track of information resources and managing the same are the key to success.

New technologies offer new ways to handle acquisition, organisation, delivery and storage of information. Today, libraries are adopting the new sophisticated information technology tools to provide accurate and instant information to cope up with the demands of new knowledge, the enormous increase in collection of documents, their problems of storage, dissemination and retrieval of information.

The term 'Library Automation' is used to refer to the extensive use of mechanical, electronic or micro-electronic equipments to perform the basic functions and activities associated with the libraries. The computers are of great significance with the advancement of telecommunication and reprography technologies in the library automation. They offer a versatile tool for organisation and retrieval of information.

The administration and automation practices of modern libraries are elaborately discussed in the present volume. It is intended for library and information science students and teachers alike, specifically those who are undertaking study on library automation and computer applications. Working librarians who are interested in automating their libraries will also find this work informative and useful." (jacket)