The Development Of Reference Services Through Academic Traditions Public Library Practice And Special Librarianship

"Explores the praxis, history and practice of reference librarianship in the context of social justice"--

Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries demonstrates that public librarians can promote learning by combining the elements of Information Literacy Instruction (ILI) with traditional practices of public libraries. This approach contributes to the information enfranchisement of patrons and enhances the fulfillment of the traditional goals and purposes of libraries. Donna L. Gilton provides background on ILI and current developments in public library instruction and also examines educational theories and practices derived from the fields of behaviorism, cognitive psychology, constructivism, and educational humanism. Additional chapters delve into practices developed to deal with diverse groups and translate the theories and practices that have been outlined into a well-coordinated plan. The final chapters survey the role of libraries as cultural institutions. This book introduces the field of ILI to public librarians in the context of their own traditions and shows the unique ways that ILI can be implemented in public library settings. It encourages librarians to rethink practices to incorporate the principles of ILI and will enable public librarians to extend and enrich their instruction on information use. Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries is a valuable resource for librarians, educators, and leaders of public organizations.

To compete today, librarians need to not only provide old services in new ways but also to provide new services. Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age re-imagines reference services in libraries and information organizations and the role of reference librarians, taking into account rapid developments in technology and information-specific services in non-library sectors. It traces the history of technology adoption for reference services, describes competitive pressures facing reference services, identifies untapped opportunities for reference services and librarians, details innovative and creative solutions for energizing the profession and engaging library user communities, and prescribes means to evaluating technologies for reference services. This book: • Includes current and unique examples of innovative reference services to serve as inspiration and launching points for readers. • Offers contemporary management theory and practice from outside of the field of LIS to offer readers a guide for initiating, leading, and managing change in their organizations. • Outlines the processes of environmental scanning and SWOT analysis, which are important practices for keeping abreast of changes in the field and positioning an organization to make the most of their opportunities and to minimize threats. Repositioning Reference may be used as a textbook by LIS educators whose courses and learning experiences prepare aspiring librarians to lead the reference revolution and by practicing librarians in diverse settings who want to be change agents.

This collection takes a critical look at the overarching trends that affect current library policy and practice regarding the process of delivering information services, and how factors such as public policy, economics, and popular culture will continue to affect those trends in the future

Now library professionals can enjoy the convenience of having 16 of Sam Rothstein's most memorable papers, spanning over three decades, all in one lively book. Samuel Rothstein--practitioner, teacher, and scholar--has influenced the thinking and practice of more reference librarians who are currently practicing than has any other single individual. In his honor, the editors of Rothstein on Reference not only feature Rothstein's seminal writing, but they have also included essays written by Rothstein's colleagues--including Charles Curran, Robert Hauptman, Marilyn Domas White, and Mary Biggs--that explore important issues confronting reference librarians today. Reference librarians and library historians will gain insights into the development of reference service in American libraries, the evaluation of reference services, the training and education of reference librarians, and much more. Both beginners and experts in the reference field will find much here for inspiration and enlightenment.