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

Kay Ann Cassell,Uma Hiremath

ISBN 10: 155570672X / ISBN 13: 9781555706722

Published by Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # mon0000063590

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century: An Introduction, Second Edition
• Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155570672X
• ISBN 13: 9781555706722
• Binding: paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath expand on their tremendously successful approach to reference service with this new edition of their revolutionary text. This practical guide teaches failsafe methods for identifying important materials by matching specific types of questions to the best available sources regardless of format. There s a completely new chapter on using cutting-edge technology plus expanded coverage of marketing reference service, and providing chat and IM reference. Of particular value to practitioners is the discussion of staff competencies needed now and in the future. The book is comprehensive in its coverage, with sections on fundamental concepts, major reference sources, special topics in reference and information work (including separate chapters on reader s advisory and youth services written by acclaimed expert Mary Kay Chelton who has added coverage of non-fiction), and developing and managing reference collections and services. Fresh material covers pertinent new topics in reference services and technology, including competencies and training in Web site development and maintenance, database evaluation, RSS feeds, blogs, popular social networking sites such as Facebook, and the ability to provide reference service across multiple formats. Guided by a national advisory board of educators and practitioners, this landmark text expertly combines both practical elements and guiding principles.

Reviews

Starting out with the premise that “the professional reference librarian must commit to an ongoing understanding of the fundamental concepts, essential resources, search techniques, and managerial tasks inherent to reference,” this book is an updated handbook of library reference work in the U.S. today. The fact that it comes just three years after the first edition is an indication of how fast reference is changing, and there is a new chapter on reference 2.0 tools as well as greater emphasis on virtual reference and free Web sources. All of the lists of resources have been revised and expanded as needed, and there is a new appendix listing “RUSA Outstanding Reference Sources 2005—2009.” A companion Web site (www.neal-schuman.com/reference21st2nd) keeps the content up-to-date. --Susan Awe