Comments on changes in the public library in the United Kingdom due to local government reorganization and recurring financial crises, and discusses the implications of networking and technological innovation. (CWM)

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…