"With his background, Breeding writes with authority on the transformation of the traditional online catalog into a discovery interface…At 125 pages, the book provides a very useful guide and project outline of discovery interfaces for systems and technology librarians. Library administrators and staff who need an overview on the next generation library catalog will also benefit from Breeding's clear descriptions of this complex subject. The information in this book is applicable to any type of library, whether it is a public, academic, or special library."
"[Next-Gen Library Catalogs] is written in clear, understandable language, and would be a valuable asset for any library or librarian examining the range of possibilities for planning and implementation of such software."
"Join leading expert Marshall Breeding as he tours the next generation of library catalogs, which use social features, patron input, and personalization…Administrators and reference librarians need to know about the 'next-gen catalog,' since it is expected to have Google-like features. However, the book may also be useful to system administrators who need to know the background requirements and specific technical requirements to implement such a system."
"…extremely comprehensive. Clear definitions of terminology are provided throughout…Breeding has provided the framework to move forward and information and tools to get started. Means for measuring success are also described. A comprehnsive list of references and related resources is provided...The work is recommended for practitioners interested in the future of the catalogue."
"The book aims to bring librarians up-to-pace with their increasingly tech-savvy patrons, presenting a 'jargon-free' guide to implementing a digital library catalog that's low on clutter and high on efficiency."
Info Today, September 2010
"Written so that any librarian can understand, whether a cataloger, a technological librarian, or a librarian who is not tech-savvy, this book is useful to any person wishing to know more about next-gen catalogs, one seeking to implement next-gen catalogs, or for those who already have next-gen catalogs but wish to know how to go furth...a valuable addition to any library seeking to gain knowledge about the future of catalogs."
ARBA Online
"Breeding...provides a guide for information professionals of all skill levels and technological expertise to the next generation of library catalogs--which blend Web 2.0 technologies with library-centered content--and their increased importance."
SciTech Book News, June 2010
"[Breeding] provides an outstanding comparison list of OPAC vendors, including open-source options and specific features details, architecture, licensing restrictions, and number of installations, as well as links to explore the different interfaces. This informative text takes the legwork out of researching next-gen tools and add-ons for most standard OPACs and is applicable for any library maintaining an online catalog."
"The volume encompasses everything about latest library catalogs as one would expect and enables professionals to develop all-round skills not just of devising and planning a catalog strategy but implementing it, marketing it and even measuring it...All in all, volume one is a great start to The Tech Set and is a useful addition to the library professional's future guide."
Information World Review
"Easy to read. Easy to understand. Clear. Straight-forward. Timely, and surprisingly up-to-date...a good job of outlining the issues and framework for "next generation" library catalogs."
Eric Lease Morgan, Head of Digital Access and Information Architecture at the University Libraries
