REVIEW POLICY: Because of problems with a few reviewers, there
is a strict review policy. Those asking to review these books are thereby agreeing
to this policy. Reviewers who do not return reviews to me according to schedule
with be given three options:
1) provide a review,
2) pay the going rate for the book so we can replace it, or
3) send the book back ASAP.
Please consider the following points when reviewing books. Remember, our limit
is 500 words, so be concise!
1. Be critical yet constructive.
If you do not like some aspect of the book, suggest how it might be improved.
2. Indicate the potential readership of a book. Does
it address a narrow group of scientists or does it have wider applications? Is
it a book for libraries or for individual purchase?
3. Compare
the merit of other books which overlap or duplicate contents of the review
text.
4. Is the book up to date? Note any long delays
in publishing information, particularly in disciplines where the speed of progress
is rapid (e.g., molecular biology).
5. Is the design of the
book appealing? Design is an important issue.
6. Is
the index useful? Consider also how lists of information are arranged,
and whether these will help the reader search for a particular item or topic.
7. Describe the contents of the book, but consider
carefully whether a chapter by chapter listing in your review is essential.
8. Highlight important mistakes of fact or typographical errors,
but use only key examples to illustrate these.
9. Comment on
value for money. This is one of few opportunities to express our views
to publishers -- to praise good value and lament high prices.
For
those who do not regularly review books, or for whom this is the first attempt,
it is not necessary to read the whole book! The review should
give a flavor of the book and include your critical comments (both positive and
adverse) but does not need to dissect the text from start to finish.
Adapted from notes by SEB UK Member Eric Boa
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