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

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.