Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

This special section includes eight articles that address issues concerning library buildings. Highlights include information technologies; industry standards; design; management issues, including organizational climate; long-range, or strategic, planning, including models and political issues; friends of library groups; technology in reference…