Management of Information Organizations is an ambitious title, aiming to be the first of its kind to provide the library and information community with a publication dealing specifically with information, information organisations and the requirements that these organisations pose for professionals working in them (xvi). Waseem Afzal, lecturer at the School of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University, brings a wealth of knowledge to the subject, and writes with passion, while trying to place his own beliefs in the greater canon of information literature. Even though the book presents a broad view of information organisations, including museums, news agencies, and investment consultancies, there is a definite library-centric focus to the work.
The book is divided into five chapters, plus preface, epilogue and references, and reads like university coursework with each chapter having the ability to stand alone but ultimately lead into the next chapter. The first three chapters are devoted to the “back story” and provide the reader with an introduction to key terms and context, and ultimately lay the foundation to Afzal’s theory. In chapter one (Information) Azfal opens with two key concepts which underpin his theory; the data, information, knowledge, wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy, and Human Information Behaviour (HIB). Chapter two (Organizations) defines organisations, provides a short history lesson, and gives the reader an overview of various theories associated with organisation followed by a discussion on the application of organisation theory perspectives to information organisations. Management and the management process are described and explained in chapter three (Management), where Afzal highlights the traditional elements of the management process while adding some of his own – these include listening, empowering, and evaluating.
The most interesting chapters and possibly the most practical content for current professionals are chapters four (Information organizations) and five (Role of information managers and information professionals in organizations). In the introduction to chapter four Afzal states (101): “Though all chapters in this book are important, this chapter occupies a unique position: it uses the numerous conceptual threads discussed in previous chapters and presents some new ones to establish the conceptual framework dealing with information organizations. Futhermore, it prepares the ground for the final chapter”. In the fifth and final chapter, Afzal uses all of the ingredients from the first four chapters to present a “knowledge base” encapsulating the role of information managers and professionals in organisations (129).
Afzal uses terminology appropriate for all readers, from entry-level to the professional, and defines terms with real-world examples where necessary. The book contains several diagrams, some of which do not seem to add much to the text.
Management of Information Organizations, while presenting thought-provoking and valuable ideas, leaves the reader wanting more. Although Afzal states in his epilogue that “the purpose of this book was to open doors” (147), most chapters would have benefited from additional in-depth discussion to make the text a more fulfilling journey, and a go-to reference book for current information professionals. This title is aimed at LIS students and professionals, but would suit readers from any information centred profession. Consistent with other titles by this publisher, the price is high for such a thin publication, a trip to the library would be recommended rather than a purchase.