IT Training is, or should be, a major interest of any IT activity. But
where to find out information about the ramifications of IT Training,
and in a practical and readable form? Mary Clarkson's book is the
answer. Developing IT Staff. A Practical Approach can be read as a
training manual for IT Trainers, or as a reference handbook, or even as
a series of vignettes concerning various aspects of IT Training. The
book is a model of clear well-structured writing, obviously a follower
of Nietzsche's quote: "It takes less time to learn how to write nobly
than how to write lightly and straightforwardly" . The book is primarily
aimed at team leaders in IT departments, but should also be useful in
helping people who are not team leaders to understand the learning
process for themselves. It provides practical guidelines on how the team
leader can get people started on their skill development and support
them through the learning process. It is exemplified with real exam-
ples of life as a technical specialist, and as an IT training manager. I
believe that any IT concern should own this book, be it business,
govern- ment, education etc. The learning process continues
indefinitely. This book assists it.