Conducting the Reference Interview: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, Second Edition (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians) - Softcover

Catherine Sheldrick Ross; Kirsti Nilsen; Marie L. Radford

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155570655X ISBN 13: 9781555706555

Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2009

Synopsis

Find your bearings in this rapidly evolving hybrid reference environment through proven strategies, advice, exercises and research from three experts in the field. The revised second edition of this practical how-to for all types of librarians will teach you to understand the needs of public, academic and special library users across any virtual setting - email, text messaging, social networking websites - as well as in traditional and face-to-face models of communication. Based on the latest research in communication theory, the book includes new exercises and examples to help you practice effective reference transactions and avoid common pitfalls. Guidance for helping users with special language-related needs (such as speech and hearing disabilities and English Language Learners) and social difficulties is also included, as are updated chapters on readers' advisory interviewing and policy and training procedures. An extensively revised chapter on virtual reference features new sections on live chat and instant messaging services, as well as a discussion of Web 2.0 initiatives and updated information on e-mail reference. Pooling their wealth of experience, the authors share real-life interview examples alongside constructive critiques and practical suggestions to improve interviewing methods. "Booklist"'s praise of the previous edition holds true with this new edition: 'The work is laudable for its practicality, clarity, cogency, and supportive data...In short, an essential read for all current and future reference librarians'.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Catherine Sheldrick Ross is Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario, Canada. Dr Kirsti Nilsen is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario. Dr Patricia Dewdney is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario.

Reviews

This second edition is completely updated, with an all-new section on virtual reference. The section on the readers’-advisory interview is now a full chapter. Marie Radford joins authors Ross and Kirsti Nilsen, bringing her expertise and research on virtual-reference services. All three authors have been involved in large and long-term research projects on reference and readers’-advisory interviews, virtual and face-to-face, and their work informs all chapters of this book. Scenarios based on real library transactions illustrate many important ideas, and most also include comments and discussion questions, making it easy to adapt them for classes or workshops. Sidebars appear on nearly every page, with “Did you know?” research facts, short exercises, and “Quick Tips.” This outstanding work is highly recommended for all libraries and is essential reading for all LIS educators and librarians involved in staff training. --Jessica Moyer

Edition details

• Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155570655X
• ISBN 13: 9781555706555
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 290