Introduction to the Library and Information Professions

An introduction to the library and information professions featuring a model of information transfer, the national information infrastructure, and the processes and functions and infrastructure of information professionals.

This introduction to the functions of information professionals is approached through models of communication theory. Professionals have the role of diagnosing the information needs of clients using information transfer theory. Current trends and issues are discussed as they focus on the role of a professional and the services to be offered.

Roger C. Greer has been a creative thinker in the library profession for more than fifty years with experience in two academic libraries before earning his Ph.D. at Rutgers University. He is Dean Emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, University of Southern California, and former dean at Syracuse University. He has been a professor on the faculties of University of Denver and Emporia State University. His writings have consisted of professional articles, the ideas of which are included in this book. However, his true gift is his ability to articulate his vision for the library and information science field.

Robert J. Grover is currently Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Emporia State University, where he has also held the position of Dean and Professor of the School of Library and Information Management. He was Director of the School of Library and Information Science at University of South Florida and Assistant Dean at University of Southern California. His professional experience was in the school library media field, and he has authored numerous professional articles and book chapters. He is co-editor of The Handy 5: Planning and Assessing Information Skills Instruction.

Susan G. Fowler remains active in the information consulting business she founded immediately after earning her M.L.S. from Emporia State University in 1993. Her expertise includes managing special libraries, research and analysis, and the design and implementation of information infrastructures. Her clients include organizations in the fields of law, healthcare and philanthropy. Ms. Fowler is a member of the library and information science honor society Beta Phi Mu, American Library Association (ALA), Association of American Law Libraries (AALL) and the Kansas Library Association (KLA). She serves her local and state community through membership on a variety of committees. Her biography is listed in the 2006 Marquis Who's Who in America.