As computer systems have become more and more powerful and computer storage mediums have become able to handle terabytes instead of kilobytes of data, the idea of electronic document management systems (EDMS) have become not only plausible but alluring. But as with any other innovative application of modern information and communication technologies, mere computerisation of existing, document centred document management procedures is not enough to justify the price tag attached. A totally new paradigm is required in order to tap into the real benefits of the new technologies. Bielawski and Boyle suggest a user centred approach to form the basis for such a paradigm. Based on personal experiences it is easy to agree.As a book, Electronic Document Management Systems is an easy read, even too easy for those with experience on corresponding computer systems as the authors have written the book with a much wider audience in mind. Even someone with no experience whatsoever in such systems can understand the points Bielawski and Boyle make. As a result, this book may be used to orient the end users to participate in the design of user centred electronic document management systems. After reading this book they know what they can and what they should demand of the systems they are supposed to use in their work. Therefore also the designers and developers of such systems should read this book in spite of the fact that some 90% of the contents is already familiar to them. It is the 10% that make the difference.
The ease of reading means also a relatively high amount of redundancy as the authors have wanted to make certain that their main points do get through.
If there is something disturbing in this book it is the performance / business goal oriented approach often seen in U.S. literature. In spite of the user centred approach preached, the end user motivations and feelings are not discussed in such a detail as a Scandinavian reader would have preferred. There are major issues to be found from between the lines in this respect too, but it requires an attentive reader to pinpoint them. For example, an EDMS designed according to the theses presented in this book would most likely become a powerful tool of empowerment and would allow a lot of autonomy for its users (if the organisational culture is up to it).
Unfortunately the "permanent web site" dedicated to this book is no longer there where the authors promise it to be. It should have provided current information on EDMS issues as well as vendor related information and case study materials
