Introduction to Reference Work in the 21st Century - Softcover

Janes, Joseph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555704298 ISBN 13: 9781555704292

Publisher: Association of College & Research Libraries, 2003

Synopsis

For many librarians, the meaning of the word ""reference"" is changing so rapidly in this Information Age that the subject has become unsettling. With so much questionable information out there, and so many avenues to it, who will point the public to the information truly worth having? How are the approaches to and principles of reference work changing from past to present and future? How do librarians take hold of the reins? Joseph Janes, founder of the Internet Public Library, offers this practical guide. The text is a mix of Janes's provocative arguments and hands-on advice to answer questions such as: what is the optimal mix of desk/phone/e-mail/chat? What kind of resource for what kind of user? What software for what purpose? What values to hold on to and what habits to break? Janes seeks to identify user needs and choose the best reference approaches for seeing that those needs are met. The work features salient considerations, pointers and encouragement.

About this title

Review

"Takes the reader on a guided tour of the changes and challenges in current reference service....A good mix of thoughtful speculation and practical advice."

Edition details

• Publisher: Association of College & Research Libraries
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555704298
• ISBN 13: 9781555704292
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250