Written as a textbook for LIS students taking reference courses, the seventh edition of Reference and Information Services: An Introduction also serves as a helpful handbook for practitioners to refamiliarize themselves with particular types and formats of sources and to refresh their knowledge on specific service topics.
The first section of the book grounds the rest of the textbook with an overview of the foundations of reference and an introduction to the theories, values, and standards that guide reference service. The second section provides an overview of reference services and techniques for service provision, establishing a foundation of knowledge on reference service and extending ethical and social justice perspectives. The third part offers an overview of the information life cycle and dissemination of information, followed by an in-depth examination of information sources by type as well as by broad subject areas. Finally, the concluding section guides readers through the process of developing and maintaining their own vision of reference practice.
This textbook is essential reading for all pre-service and working librarians, particularly those concerned with ethical and social justice perspectives on reference work.
Features
- Individually authored chapters by experts in the field provide readers with thorough and authoritative information
- Activity boxes engage readers and invite them to reflect on what they are learning and practice skills through real-life exercises
- Conscious integration of critical theory and social justice perspectives offer critical reflection on the standards and practices of the field and encourage readers to consider alternate perspectives
