Book review: David Stuart. Web Metrics for Library and Information Professionals StuartDavid. Web Metrics for Library and Information Professionals, 2nd edn. Facet Publishing, 2023; 206 pp. £90 hardback, £55 paperback, ISBN 9781783305667
Charles Oppenheim · Journal of Librarianship and Information Science · 2024
This is the second edition of a book that sold well, but had become somewhat dated with rapid developments in its field. Although primarily aimed at library and information staff, and with the strong implication that this is a field where LIS staff can make themselves indispensable to their employers, this book will also appeal to anyone in other professions who have an interest in web metrics. The book's emphasis on LIS staff reflects the fact that they already engage heavily with online content, and here is an opportunity for LIS staff to demonstrate the impact that individuals and organisations have. The book provides an introduction to the various types of web metrics that can be analysed, and includes examples of software applications for those confident in such things. Each type of web metrics that can be analysed is given its own chapter, and the pros and cons of the use of such metrics – for none of them are perfect – are discussed. The author, who has published many books and research articles in the field, is without doubt an authority on the subject, and his commentary on each type of metric is helpful. Intriguingly, he describes himself as a 'would-be theologian'!