Reference Service Expertise

This book, first published in 1989, introduces readers to expert systems applications in many areas of library and information science, and presents design and implementation issues encountered by librarians who have developed early systems to address the library reference function. Systems for ready reference, online database access, and enhancement of subject searching in online catalogues are all explored. Theoretical issues related to expert systems are balanced with descriptions of actual systems currently operating or under development. Reference librarians interested in computing and automation, library managers and administrators, as well as teachers and students in library schools, will be fascinated by this account of how expert systems are helping to make the expertise of the reference librarian available in a more consistent and timely fashion and reduce the burden of repetitive, predictable questions for the professional.

This important volume presents a wealth of practical ideas for improving the art of reference librarianship. Reference Service Expertise provides pragmatic ways for librarians to aid patrons, consider reference collections and how they are employed, and assess various technologies in reference work. Dedicated to the idea that reference service is a benevolent desire to help the sometimes puzzled library user, this unique book describes numerous and varied means to that end and encourages reference librarians to become familiar with the multiple resources available in modern libraries. Reference Service Expertise pinpoints specific areas in which librarians can increase their knowledge in order to become more efficient. These strategies include using a systems approach in reference instruction for library professionals; guidelines for academic librarians to use for evaluating facilities, services, and staff as to how effectively they welcome users and validate their information needs; using team teaching to instruct users about library services; developing legal reference skills to support the constitutional right-to-know in a self-governing society; and helping non-science librarians to become science literate by reading popular science literature, watching science television programs, visiting science museums, and generally increasing their awareness of the problem of science illiteracy among the general population. A wide variety of resources available in today's reference libraries are discussed to help librarians become better informed about the options available to their patrons, including: ERIC and NTIS and the information gap between the two databases resources on the evolving market economy or investments in the Commonwealth of Independent States fee-based services PsycLIT (CD-ROM), PsycINFO (online), and the difference in retrieval patterns using the same vocabulary of terms interactive media centers--advantages and shortcomings Reference librarians in all types of libraries will benefit from chapters that describe specific methods for improving their own personal effectiveness as well as chapters that evaluate specific services and reference tools available for reference library users.

A dozen articles suggest a variety of ways for libraries to enhance their daily reference service and the image of librarianship, and to bring in more users. They emphasize the interaction of both the staff and the clients with new technology. Also published as The Reference Librarian, no. 39, 1993. No index. The paper edition has the same ISBN. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In Philosophies of Reference Service, reference librarians share with you their reflective thinking about what they do as service providers. An important addition to the personal and occupational library of anyone in reference services, this book discusses the origins of reference service, its founding principles, the pleasures and pitfalls of the reference encounter, delivering high-quality service, and much, much more In a clever juxtaposition of the fundamentals of reference service provision with top-notch thinking about the role of the reference librarian and what makes a reference unit effective, Philosophies of Reference Service advocates for continuing familiarity with books in the reference section, recognizing the diversity of service users, and using collegiality in the work environment to boost productivity. It discusses why reference service should move toward instructing people in mediums, not systems, as well as: achieving consistency in reference service through "shared values" the concept of tiered reference services (based on survey research) the little-discussed "art" of reference desk scheduling the importance of knowing your user and making appropriate accommodations partnerships in reference services techniques for conducting reference rovering the advantages of print fostering widely grounded research through reference service why reference librarians share with the corporate world many of the same desired outcomes with regard to service provision Designed to assist readers in defining and developing their own approaches to reference service delivery, Philosophies of Reference Service offers reference librarians insight, practical knowledge, and guidelines for keeping on top of new reference techniques, establishing a partnership between the library and the user population, and maximizing the helpful nature of reference service.

Reference and user services librarians need to be in charge of their own careers. And when it comes to their own professional development, that means being proactive.

The Rapid Developments In Computer Technology, Telecommunications, Printing Reprography, Etc. Have Important Implications For The Provision Of Information By Libraries To Their Users. Great Advances Have Been Made In The Automation Of Indexing And Abstracting Services. Despite Such Advances And Technological Impacts, The Actual Search Process And The End Result Remain The Same As In The Traditional Approach. Hence, The Significance Of Reference Sources And Services Cannot Be Overemphasised. The Reference Service Offered By The Libraries Enables The Readers To Obtain The Required Information From The Huge Collection Of Libraries In No Time. The Book Is Structured Into Two Parts. The First Part Acquaints The Readers With The Purpose, Functions And Kinds Of Reference Service; Qualities And Duties Of A Reference Librarian; Varied Sections In The Libraries; Reference Service In Public, Academic And Special Libraries; Sources And Classification Of Information, And Reference Queries.Part Ii Of The Book Is Devoted To Reference Sources. Beginning With The Evaluation Of Reference Sources, It Includes A Detailed Study On Directories, Bibliographies, Encyclopaedias, Biographies, Maps And Atlases, Dictionaries, Gazetteers And Guide Books.It Is Hoped That The Present Book Will Prove Useful For All Library Users. While The Teachers, Researchers And Students Of Library Science Will Find It Indispensable, The Reference Librarians Are Expected To Acquire Additional Skills Through This Book Which Shall Stand Them In Good Stead In The Technological Environment.

The most proactive source for business reference librarian information on the market, Business Reference Services and Sources: How End Users and Librarians Work Together shows you that the librarian-customer relationship is as synergistic as ever. It gives you timely facts about how librarians and users work together and how those partnerships are built. In it, you’ll encounter group projects done by faculty, students, external users, and non-librarian supervisors and discover an enlightening spirit of collaboration lacking in most research literature today. Further establishing the marketability of contemporary research librarians, Business Reference Service and Sources goes to the front lines of business reference service, solidifying and updating the librarian-user partnership. You’ll see how research librarians can reach users at the crux of their needs. Overall, individual chapters address the needs of such people as students, business school officials, and corporations. Specifically, you’ll read about these areas: Internet business research and ESL students corporate home pages as supplements to traditional business resources networking with community business sources synergy in the information specialist-customer partnership avoiding information overload in bibliographic instruction the Internet’s impact on government documents assessing the validity of electronic journals underprivileged, nontraditional students and bibliographic instruction Today, in our climate of negative ad campaigns directed at libraries and librarians in general, business reference librarians face many challenges, academic as well as professional. But if you’re one of the vocal, proactive supporters of productive librarian-customer partnerships, this book will help you “grow feet” and move out from behind the restrictive comfort of your desk into the world’s classrooms and manufacturing teams. Certainly, Business References and Sources will convince you that collaborative projects between contemporary reference librarians and end-users are alive and well.

Contains nine contributions which range from Internet business research, ESL students, and underprivileged, nontraditional students to networking with community business sources and the Internet's impact on government documents.