Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

 

Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath expand on their tremendously successful approach to reference service with this new second 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.

Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century 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, and is sure to be useful to LIS educators, students, and both novice and experienced reference professionals.

Instructors: Adoption entitles you to a free instructional CD-ROM featuring discussion questions, assignments, and PowerPoint presentations for each chapter. E-mail textbook.consultant@neal-schuman.com for more information.

 "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
 
"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
 
"This edition takes into account technological changes since the last and includes a new chapter on Reference 2.0 tools, which use new technology in innovative ways."
-- SciTech Book News, December 2009
 
"Books to check out"
-- - InfoToday, March 2009
 

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