Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age - Softcover

Saunders, Laura; Rozaklis, Lillian; Abels, Eileen G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0810892111 ISBN 13: 9780810892118

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014

Synopsis

To compete today, librarians need to not only provide old services in new ways but also to provide new services. Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age re-imagines reference services in libraries and information organizations and the role of reference librarians, taking into account rapid developments in technology and information-specific services in non-library sectors. It traces the history of technology adoption for reference services, describes competitive pressures facing reference services, identifies untapped opportunities for reference services and librarians, details innovative and creative solutions for energizing the profession and engaging library user communities, and prescribes means to evaluating technologies for reference services.

This book:

· Includes current and unique examples of innovative reference services to serve as inspiration and launching points for readers.
· Offers contemporary management theory and practice from outside of the field of LIS to offer readers a guide for initiating, leading, and managing change in their organizations.
· Outlines the processes of environmental scanning and SWOT analysis, which are important practices for keeping abreast of changes in the field and positioning an organization to make the most of their opportunities and to minimize threats.

Repositioning Reference may be used as a textbook by LIS educators whose courses and learning experiences prepare aspiring librarians to lead the reference revolution and by practicing librarians in diverse settings who want to be change agents.

About this title

About the Author:

Laura Saunders is an assistant professor at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, where she teaches in the areas of user instruction, reference, intellectual freedom, and academic libraries. Her research interests include information literacy, assessment, and social justice aspects of information access and literacy.

Lillian Rozaklis is an independent consultant in user research, learning analytics, and information services, with prior roles as a reference librarian in public libraries and as a research analyst in higher education. She received her Ph.D. in Information Studies from Drexel University's College of Information Science and Technology and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.

Eileen G. Abels is dean and professor at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Her primary teaching areas are reference, business information, and special libraries. Her research interests include information access, the future of libraries, and the future of library and information science education.

Review:

There have been many books published in the last few years aimed at those who are rethinking, reimagining, rebooting, and now repositioning reference service. These books all take the approach that reference service needs to be redesigned if it is to survive as a service in modern libraries. This version is somewhat different than the rest of the pack. Rather than consisting of a collection of articles from a range of contributors, this work is the product of three educators at Simmons College. These authors take a research-based approach and include extensive references from the literature to support their ideas. Topics covered include the evolution of reference service, competitive pressures facing the field, implications for change, entrepreneurship, and leading and managing change. This slim volume will be very helpful for any librarians seeking ideas and methods for evolving their existing reference services. (Booklist)

This well-researched and wise book is essential reading for library and information studies faculty and students, current reference librarians, and administrators of academic, public, and special libraries. (Library Journal)

This well-referenced, clearly written, concise book by two library faculty from Simmons College and an independent library consult does an excellent job explaining the changes impacting reference services and reference librarians.... This book is recommended reading for reference librarians, and library administrators in all types of libraries. It is also a helpful reference for LIS faculty and their students. (Medical Reference Services Quarterly)

In Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age, co-authors Laura Saunders, Lillian Rozaklis, and Eileen G. Abels respond to concerns about the future of reference services, given changes in technology and user behavior. In three well-documented chapters they explore the evolution of reference services, new services introduced in response to competitive pressures, and needed competencies and philosophies of service to accomplish a paradigm shift in reference services. This is followed by chapters highlighting specific examples of innovative services, the use of environmental scanning to identify opportunities for innovation, and models for change management and change leadership. The book will be a valuable resource for practitioners, educators, and students seeking to shape the future of reference services. (Linda C. Smith, Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0810892111
• ISBN 13: 9780810892118
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 170