Reference and Information Services: An Introduction
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Book Overview
Reflecting the dramatic changes shaped by rapidly developing technologies over the past six years, this new fourth edition of Reference and Information Services takes the introduction to reference sources and services significantly beyond the content of the first three editions. In Part I, Concepts and Processes, chapters have been revised and updated to reflect new ideas and methods in the provision of reference service in an era when many users have access to the Web. In Part II, Information Sources and Their Use, discussion of each source type has been updated to encompass key resources in print and on the Web, where an increasing number of freely available sources join those purchased or licensed by libraries.
A number of new authors are contributors to this new edition, bringing to their chapters their experience as teachers of reference and as practitioners in different types of libraries. Discussions of services in Part I integrate digital reference as appropriate to each topic, such as how to conduct a reference interview online using instant messaging. Boxes interspersed in the text are used to present scenarios for discussion, to highlight key concepts, or to present excerpts from important documents. Discussions of sources in Part II place more emphasis on designing effective search strategies using both print and digital resources. The chapter on selection and evaluation of sources addresses the changing nature of reference collections and how to evaluate new types of sources. Each chapter concludes with an updated list of additional readings to guide further study. A new companion website will provide links to Web-accessible readings and resources as well as additional scenarios for discussion and example search strategies to supplement those presented in the text.Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1591583748
ISBN13:9781591583745
Release Date:May 2011
Publisher:Libraries Unlimited
Length:768 Pages
Weight:3.00 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 10.0" x 7.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Great service, packaging needs improvement
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The book was as advertised, like new. Arrived in a few days. Only problem was the packaging was poor and somewhat torn through transit. Thankfully the book was fine. I reported this directly to shipper who was thankful for the info and will change packaging for such heavy books.
Bopp, Richard E., and Linda C. Smith. Reference and Information Services : an Introduction., 3rd ed.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is an excellent text for Library and Information Science students. It is grounded in the history and importance of library reference services from the late 1800's to the present. Important reference text sources are described in detail as well as reference databases and the Web environment up to 2001. Content is well organized and topics are throughly covered, with emphasis on search strategy. This is a large paperback edition, but it is well constructed, with an easy to read font size and ample margin space for notes. I covered mine with clear contact paper to keep the cover clean and to provide more reinforcement. It is a very likable book on a tough subject.
Great, but already needs an update!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
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 librarian 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.
An essential reference for library school
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
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.
An excellent textbook for students in library studies
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
For those seeking a structural approach to reference and information resources, this textbook will provide a much more useful approach than its competitors. Not without limitations, Bopp and Smith provide an excellent introduction to information services and the nature of those resources which support such services. One great advantage to my mind is the provision of a more complete historical context to the sources than provided by Bill Katz's excellent competing text.
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