In his book, Barclay describes why libraries no longer hold the monopoly as sources of information for users in the digital age. Instead, many of them find themselves in direct competition with business. Barclay explains how libraries are, and are not, similar to business and suggests that in order to survive, libraries need to rethink how they provide online services. He suggests that libraries should not think of themselves as being in direct competition with business, but instead should see themselves as a part of a larger 'business ecosystem.' Barclay posits that to survive in the online environment, libraries need to learn how to evolve and co-exist with business. To that end, he suggests that a wealth of e-commerce-related research information is available in areas that librarians may find helpful in adapting library practices to better serve online users. In the beginning of his book, Barclay provides a listing of journal titles and an annotated listing of books in various business-related subject areas that may be of interest to librarians. In relation to libraries, the remaining chapters provide an entertaining read on the historical contexts of self-service technologies, reference services, online education, Website design, artificial intelligence, and assessment of online services.

One chapter is even devoted to the online successes of the pornography industry and how libraries could use them to improve their online services. While the book does contain . practical information on how libraries can adapt their online presence in each of these areas to better serve patrons, the book's real value is found in the author's historical perspectives. Readers will find that the book is well indexed, sources are well cited, and relevant side bar stories are found throughout the chapters.