Developments in the use of computer-based library systems have progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. This third edition of Lucy Tedd's well-known text reflects the changes and their current and potential effect on methods of communication, information retrieval and library management. In a general overview of new methods and systems, the author describes developments in the storage and retrieval of information, including search facilities, inverted files, and the MARC format. The major impact of networks is assessed and there are numerous pointers to new sources of information, such as publicly available databases. Details are given of a wide range of products and systems for library management, and case studies illustrate the practical operation of an international selection of libraries, from Australia to Aberystwyth. Providing a neat summary of the vast literature available - with extensive references - this concise but thorough introduction will be a rare treasury of information for both student and practitioner.