Reference and Information Services: An Introduction

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Summary: An essential reference for library school
Review: Now in a fully updated and expanded third edition, Reference And Information Services offers detailed discussion on a wide range of reference-related services including interlibrary loan, document delivery, access to networked electronic resources, readers' advisory services, and more. Of special interest on the chapters regarding the Internet and World Wide Web, the attention to ethical issues and the strong focus on user-centered services, both face-to-face and those mediated by technology. Reference And Information Services is an essential reference for library school and professional library reference collections, as well as in-service library training supplement reading resource lists.

Rating:
Summary: Reference and Information Services: An Introduction
Review: Textbook for an initial reference course provides beginning students in library and information science with an overview of the most important tools for general reference work as well as the concepts and theory behind contemporary reference services.

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Summary: Great, but already needs an update!
Review: This is a great book for learning about reference philosophy, sources, and services. Its one weakness is its lack of coverage of virtual (chat) reference. It briefly mentions "videoconferencing," but with the importance of chat/IM today, along with e-mail, phone, and in-person forms of communication, the reference library needs to know how virtual reference systems work and how to implement them. One book about virtual reference that could supplement this text is "Going Live: Starting and Running a Virtual Reference Service," published by the ALA. Also, its chapter on instruction could be rewritten with greater clarity. Otherwise, an outstanding text.