Computer Media

By Rachel Singer Gordon -- Library Journal, 6/1/2006

Botello, Chris & Ann Fisher. Adobe Premiere 2.0 Revealed. Course Technology PTR: Thomson. 2006. 306p. ISBN 1-59863-028-8. pap. $24.99 with CD-ROM.
Droblas, Adele & Seth Greenberg. Adobe Premiere Pro 2 Bible. Wiley. 2006. 781p. ISBN 0-471-75175-8. pap. $49.99 with DVD.
Sengstack, Jeff. Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0: Classroom in a Book. Adobe Pr: Peachpit. 2006. 535p. ISBN 0-321-38551-9. pap. $49.99 with DVD.

These guides to Premiere 2.0, the newest version of Adobe’s professional video-editing software, target beginners. The full-color Classroom in a Book, part of Adobe’s official training series, lives up to its name and is perfect for self-study, with a DVD full of lesson files, introductory lesson videos, and additional information in PDF format. Each chapter lays out a lesson step by step; Adobe Certified Expert Exam objectives are highlighted in the text, and review questions close each chapter. Clear and thorough, Classroom is appropriate for all libraries. A comprehensive reference for every user, Adobe Premiere Pro 2 Bible follows a logical progression, moving from getting started and using basic editing features to implementing advanced techniques and effects and employing Premiere Pro with other Adobe products like Photoshop and After Effects. Its DVD includes tutorial files, multimedia clips, and trial software. Thorough coverage, an attractive organization, and clear instructions make this a valuable addition to all libraries. Intended for self-study, Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 Revealed matches step-by-step instructions with black-and-white (and unfortunately dark and fuzzy) screen shots. Its CD contains source clips for lessons. While there is useful material here, Revealed’s prose can be unclear and somewhat awkward. An optional purchase; choose Classroom instead.

Libraries whose Office books are becoming tattered and torn might consider some of these guides as replacements or supplements (see also Computer Media, LJ 7/05). Particularly helpful for intermediate users, The Unofficial Guide to Excel 2003 serves as a quick reference to useful, timesaving, and sometimes overlooked features. Coverage ranges from removing the Office Assistant to creating custom toolbar buttons; sidebars provide even quicker tips and information, and appendixes address recommended resources and how to build creative work sheets. A great supplement to more basic step-by-step guides; truly beneficial, with clear tips that make this a recommended purchase. Also in the tips-and-tricks vein, Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances and Fixing Access Annoyances both include advice regarding versions 2000, 2002, and 2003, focusing on easy ways to fix common (yet annoying) problems. This emphasis does at times cause the authors to shoehorn “how-tos” into “annoyances” (e.g., finding new PowerPoint templates), but this tendency is not in itself so grating. Sidebars and notes add information, and tips are clear, useful, and enthusiastic. Each title packs a lot of relevant information that can help turn regular users into power users—or, at least, into less frustrated ones! Both books are highly recommended for all public libraries.

For absolute beginners, the full-color Microsoft Office 2003 Simplified aims to take some of the fear out of using Office. Extremely simple step-by-step instructions, labeled screen shots, and a talking cartoon character walk readers through the basic tasks in each component of the Office suite. A nice choice for libraries with large beginner populations; be sure to supplement with more thorough guides. The nonthreatening, full-color Teach Yourself Visually: Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 also targets beginners with one- to two-page lessons featuring simple step-by-step instructions and labeled screen shots. It leads readers through all the basic PowerPoint features, from formatting text and working with outlines and layouts to making presentations and customizing software. Sidebars contain more information; appendixes cover keyboard shortcuts and online resources. Appropriate for all libraries; again, supplement with more thorough guides.

Special Edition says it specifically addresses users of the Student-Teacher Office edition, but this is largely through the occasional use of examples such as writing reports for school and headings like “Extra Credit”; other examples and screen shots illustrate both business and home use. Since the Student-Teacher edition is identical to (although cheaper than) the Standard version of Office that includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, this title will also apply to other users (though they may not realize it). Be careful of the binding—this reviewer’s copy started separating down the middle upon first reading. An optional purchase. General Office books will serve users of this edition just as well.

BlackBerry (see Computer Media, LJ 9/1/04)—so addictive and popular that some refer to it as “CrackBerry”—should become even more ubiquitous with the recent settlement of Research in Motion’s patent infringement lawsuit. For potential, beginning, and intermediate BlackBerry users, For Dummies covers the basics—getting organized, getting online, and working with the desktop manager—and includes the obligatory Dummies “Part of Tens” section on accessories, application downloads, and games. The book applies to only newer models; differences among models are highlighted, and a companion web site provides brief updates on BlackBerry news, new models, and OS updates. Recommended for all libraries.

Rachel Singer Gordon (rachel@listjobs.com) is Consulting Editor, Informatin Today INc., Books Division; webmaster, Lisjobs.com; and author of The NextGen Librarian's Survial Guide (ITI, 2006)