Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. Third edition

Abstract

In the book's lengthy preface, the authors cite the “ferocious pace of change” (p. xi) that has forced them to update the previous edition, which was released in May 2011. While it is aimed at “eternally maturing reference librarians,” it is also “organized to complement the syllabus of a typical library and information studies course.” This book is not to be confused with another book that has the same title but different editors 1. This book is presented in four parts. Part I (chapters 1–3) provides groundwork for understanding the fundamental concepts of reference and information services. Chapter 1 introduces reference and information services by presenting a synopsis of the development of reference service, ethics that apply to it, kinds of information service, selection and evaluation of resources, staff and services, and adaptation to the changing nature of reference. Chapter 2 focuses on questions and reference interviews: components, strategies, cultural aspects, and guidelines set by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Chapter 3 explains the search techniques for finding answers to reference questions as well as steps to avoid a scattershot search. Part II (chapters 4–12) comprises the bulk of the text and introduces the reader to the major reference sources: “The nine chapters in this section focused on how, what, where, who and when questions as they correlate to authoritative resources” (p. xiii). Part III (chapters 13–16) is on special topics such as using the Internet as a reference tool, readers' advisory, reference sources and services for children and young adults, and information literacy. Part IV (chapters 17–22) is on developing and managing reference collections and services. Chapter 17 offers guidance in selecting and evaluating reference materials. Chapter 18, a new chapter on ethics written by a contributing author, tackles the issues of “professional codes of ethics, plagiarism, copyright, intellectual property, access to information and censorship.” Chapters 19 and 20 are on managing the reference department and assessing its services. Chapter 21 “provides a comprehensive snapshot of the many tools and sites mined from Web 2.0 technology.” Chapter 22, the final chapter, explores “models, materials, and services that will continue to evolve and define reference services in the future.” The appendix contains the RUSA Outstanding Reference Sources, 2007–2012. This list includes the best reference publications selected by the association to recommend for small and medium-sized libraries. The inclusion of this list is appreciated as it can be used as yardstick to check one's current reference collection. To cap it all, this edition ends with two indexes, reference resources and subjects. This edition is a welcome update to the previous edition as it continues to sort out relevant information in the ever-changing world of reference. It is to be commended that the authors, who were reference librarians in academic and public libraries, “have invited stringent critiques” (p. xvi) and have taken note of these suggestions. The result is a polished edition meant to be as useful as possible to students, teachers, and reference librarians. The chapters are well organized and are enhanced with abundant lists of recommended reading materials and rich bibliographies. The tables scattered in most chapters are good memory aids as they show capsulized information about reference resources. An instructor would find these features to be really good tools for teaching. In addition, the guidance for collection development that each chapter provides is also useful for the practicing reference librarian. This book is primarily meant to be a textbook geared to fill the needs of the academic community. Sources of medical information are briefly presented in a few pages (pp. 179–86) in chapter 9, listing major health resources for the general population. Overall, the authors of this book achieve the work's most basic aim of identifying and analyzing skills and best practices that aspiring or practicing reference librarians need. This work remains a valid choice as a textbook for a reference course in library and information studies. It is recommended for academic libraries. Certainly, it has a place in public libraries, too.