College and Research Libraries Communication Science and Technology, 6. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1976. 246p. $24.50. LC 75-32390. ISBN 0- 8247-6376-9. Simulation is a research technique that has been used for many years by physical and biological scientists; their laboratory experiments simulate environments and pro- vide the setting for a number of different types of studies. Until recently the tech- nique was not used extensively by other disciplines, and it was not generally known to the public, but the much-publicized ~ ac­ tivities of the U.S. space program have directed a good deal of attention to simula- tions. In the last five years or so, the social sciences have begun to use simulations as a teaching technique. The present volume is concerned with the use of simulation by library and information science education. The first part of the. book describes sim- ulation as a teaching technique, pointing out that, in essence, a simulation is a con- trolled representation of a real situation. Al- though there are a number of different types of simulation activities, only two types are presented in this work: simula- tion games and simulation exercises. Statis- tical simulations, one of the more familiar types of simulations, are not included. The au.thors define the assumptions un- derlying the use of simulations as a teach- ing technique. Chief among them are that what is learned in a simulation can be transferred to other situations and that ac- tive participation of the learner creates the best learning situation. In discussing the strengths and weaknesses of simulations, the authors acknowledge a bias in favor of the technique's strengths, but they also point out weaknesses that need to be noted. The chapter on the analysis and design of a simulation game or exercise is particu- larly valuable. All the steps involved in con- structing a simulation, administering it, and evaluating it are described in detail. The design of a simulation activity, the authors note, is valuable, not only for the back- grqund it provides, but also in affording an excellent learning situation. The major part of the book consists of ex- amples of simulation games and exercises in five library-oriented areas: communica- tions, information science, library admin- istration, technical services, and reference Recent Publications I 175 work. For each category, a number of com- plete simulations are given. The simulations are well chosen for their relevance to mean- ingful real life situations. The instructions accompanying each simulation are clear and easy to follow. In summary, the completeness of the background discussion about simulation ac- tivities and their use as a teaching tech- nique . plus the collection of simulation games and exercises make this work a val- uable addition to the1iterature of simula- tion as a teaching . technique in library science education.-Barbara Slanker, Direc- tor, Office for Research, American Library Association. The ALA Yearbook: A Review of Library Events, 1975. 1976 Centennial Edition. Chicago: American Library Assn., 1976. 494p. $25.00. ISBN 0-8389-0223-5. One of the significant and lasting events the American Library Association scheduled for its centennial year's celebration was the publication of The ALA Yearbook. It is projected as the first of a series to be pub- lished annually, with the second volume scheduled to go to press in the spring of 1977. The first volume is dedicated to the memory of Allie Beth Martin and highlights her look at "ALA-Its Future." Librarians are both critics of the crafts- man's art and the information which should be expected from each reference book. In implementing and executing this volume, the library world through ALA has pro- duced a successful product when measured against its ideals for making a reference book. Much already has been said in adver- tising presentations about the 143 articles -alphabetically arranged from "academic libraries" to "young adult library services"·; its 230 contributors and editors, including three correspondents from London and Can- ada; its 400,000 words with 336 illustratim~s -including halftones, line drawings, and cartoons; and its sixteen pages of index. The three feature articles for this first volume-"ALA at 100," by Edward G. Hol- ~ey; "Independent Learning and the Fu- ture Role of Public Libraries," by Samuel Gould; and "Micrographics: An Eventful 176 I College & Research Libraries • March 1977 Forty Years-What Next?" by Allen Veaner -establish the standard of reputation and knowledgeable expertise required of each person asked to contribute an article. Equal- ly outstanding is the list of ALA advisers selected for the first edition. If the same level of quality can be maintained without due repetition for subsequent volumes, this accomplishment will be a tribute to the scholarship and literary ability within the profession of librarianship. Illustrations are up-to-date and of good graphic quality. The volume can serve as a way of visually identifying most of the notable greats in the history of the associa- tion and many of the currently prominent individuals in the profession. While other persons could have been included in the biography section (p.IOI-13), no question of eligibility can arise for those included in the centennial edition. Information about the activities of the state library associations is uneven in cover- age and depth, but for the first time data have been recorded together about the asso- ciation work of the fifty states and the Dis- trict of Columbia. It is here, especially in the selection of photographs, that the sub- jective, selective judgment of the reporter has made a noticeable imprint on the year- book. Annual updating can provide a differ- ent perspective and comprehensive cover- age within a decade. The ALA Yearbook is extensive in scope of coverage and attractive in design, pro- vides information in easily accessible format, is authoritative in its verification of sources, and is readable in its essay presentation. Any librarian who wishes to be knowledge~ble about the profession, past and present, will make it must reading. It measures well either read continuously or for ready ref- erence.-]ohnnie E. Givens, Executive Di- rector, Southeastern Library Association. What's on TV? TV Season is the complete and timely guide to everything and everyone that appears on television. " One of the most useful reference books for tele- vision ... one I think would be invaluable in the industry . .. " Cecil Smith , Los Angeles Times Recommended by ALA Booklist TV Season is the only annual reference book devoted to what is produced and broadcast by the television industry. TV Season is fully indexed and covers Em my and Peabody awards . Every program listing is complete , and includes cast and characters , the creators, producers and writers . It's a virtual Who 's Who in TV. ORYX PRESS 3930 East Camelback Road Phoenix , Arizona 85018 • (602) 956-6233 TV Season 75-76 , ISBN 0-912700-2 1-1 . Hardcover, 280 pages TV Season 74-75 , ISBN 0-912700 -20-3 . Hardcover, 228 pages Each volume , $13 .95 plus $ .95 to cover postage and handling .