Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century : An Introduction

If you re using the older edition, it s out of date! This newly revised edition contains more than 300 updates for major reference resources. Don t try to do good reference without it! Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath have revised the second edition of their landmark text to deliver new information and reflect the changes in reference services since their last edition was published. This practical guide teaches failsafe methods for identifying important materials by matching specific types of questions to the best available sources, regardless of format. Information on more than 300 sources has been updated to provide you high quality information, including the information needed to work with newly digitized government documents. Many of these new sources focus on innovative Reference 2.0 tools like Google Books, Twitter, and Second Life. Designed to complement every introductory library reference course, it s the perfect text for students and librarians looking to expand their personal reference knowledge. Chapters on fundamental concepts, major reference sources and special topics in reference provide the basics you want with fresh insight you need on new issues in reference services and technology, including website development and maintenance, RSS feeds, social networking, and delivering reference services across multiple platforms. The companion website features new readings for each chapter and information about changes in reference tools described in these pages, as well as important new ones. As we enter a changing climate for all information services professionals, this book provides the tools you need to manage the ebb and flow of changing reference services in the 21st century. Guided by a national advisory board of educators and practitioners comprised of Marie L. Radford, Anita Ondrusek, Cheryl Knott Malone, and Stephanie Maata, this text expertly keeps up with new technologies and practices while still grounding you in the basics of reference work.

"This 2nd edition again provides a well-rounded grounding in fundamental concepts of reference, an overview of the major resources used in reference services, sections on special topics...and tools to help develop and manage the reference collection and department." --ARBA Online, March 2010

"The text is clear and briskly written conveying an enthusiasm for reference work which can be infectious....undoubtedly contains a great deal of accurate and useful information on individual titles and management of reference services." --Multimedia Information and Technology, February 2010

"...provides a wealth of resources for information professionals to draw on...a worthy addition to the shelves for those engaged in reference services..." --The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, December 2009

"The second edition...updates and expands on the excellent foundation provided in the first edition and continues to ground the reader in real-world practices...This book is highly recommended for all individuals seeking a core reference services text. It will be useful not only for students and new reference librarians, but also for seasoned reference librarians to be aware of the latest tools and resources." --J Med Libr Assoc 98(3), July 2010

"...provides a wealth of resources for information professionals to draw on...a worthy addition to the shelves for those engaged in reference services..." --The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, December 2009

The second editionâ ¦updates and expands on the excellent foundation provided in the first edition and continues to ground the reader in real-world practicesâ ¦This book is highly recommended for all individuals seeking a core reference services text. It will be useful not only for students and new reference librarians, but also for seasoned reference librarians to be aware of the latest tools and resources. --J Med Libr Assoc 98(3), July 2010

...provides a wealth of resources for information professionals to draw on...a worthy addition to the shelves for those engaged in reference services... --The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, December 2009

"The volume is written in a clear, direct, and concise manner, and includes practical examples of the concepts introduced...Given the range of topics covered, this volume would be useful for both information science students as well as practitioners." --The Library Quarterly, October 2010

...provides a wealth of resources for information professionals to draw on...a worthy addition to the shelves for those engaged in reference services... --The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, December 2009