This manual is intended to help library staff maximize their work by providing information and references to many of the "frequently asked questions." There are two parts to the manual. The "Overview" is an introduction to school librarianship in Alaska that discusses putting school libraries in perspective; managing the school…

Written for potential users of ERIC, this digest provides basic facts about the information storage and retrieval system, the migrant education materials available, and the role of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools (ERIC/CRESS). The following questions are answered: (1) what is ERIC and how does it work; (2) what…

This book has three purposes: to provide a perspective for looking at how traditional reference service "fits" in with new trends and issues; to document the myriad ways in which day-to-day library services are being transformed by changes in technology, culture, and staffing; and to offer guidance and advice for evolving reference services to…

This handbook presents information for entrepreneurs on launching, managing, and growing an independent research firm. The book is organized into four sections. In the first section, "Getting Started," chapters include: (1) "What's an Independent Info Pro?"; (2) "A Day in the Life of an Independent Info Pro"; (3)…

From scholarly discourse to the latest issues in readers' advisory services, this guide provides up-to-date information on the many challenges of the practice, as well as on interdisciplinary directions, continuing education, and the gap in graduate professional education for readers' advisory. The book's 16 chapters are organized into three main…

Like the first two editions, this third edition is designed primarily to provide the beginning student of library and information science with an overview both of the concepts and processes behind today's reference services and of the most important sources consulted in answering common types of reference questions. The first 12 chapters deal with…

Outlines behavioral attributes identified by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association that can be correlated with positive patron perceptions of reference librarian performance: approachability, interest, listening/inquiring, searching, and follow-up. This will assist in the training, development, and/or…

Based on information provided primarily by two existing state-based information services, this handbook presents a clear, practical look at possible activities, procedures, and requirements of search services for educators. Descriptions of the two services that serve as models--Oklahoma's Sooner Exchange for Educational Knowledge (SEEK) and Texas'…

Explores successful techniques for integrating the World Wide Web into day-to-day reference library services. Highlights include: determining when to use the Web and when and how to use search tools; the importance of search statement format; training and practicing with the Web; virtual reference and subject specialist pages; and electronic…

The Oregon Network is an approach to developing an occupational information system that is an interconnected set of persons, programs, and systems established for the purpose of developing, delivering, and using occupational information. This guide describes that network for potential users. The four sections of the guide define the network,…

This guide is the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Libraries' quick reference tool for providing information about its collections, facilities, and services. The articles are arranged in an alphabetic, dictionary format with numerous cross-references, and highlight information on the following: administrative offices; company annual reports;…

This book explores how librarians can work to strengthen and improve the quality of service to young adults. The introduction is written by Mary Kay Chelton, whose dissertation, "Adult-Adolescent Service Encounters: The Library Context" (1997), inspired this book. The book has 12 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the provision of best young adult…

This Starter Kit is designed to help organizations and individuals who wish to offer human-mediated information services via the Internet to users in the K-12 community. A six-step process is proposed for organizations to follow in creating an "AskA" service. This process addresses all aspects involved in building and maintaining an AskA…

Prepared to provide guidance in the provision of reference service, this statement expresses the understanding between the library administration and the Reference Services Department of Ellis Library at the University of Missouri-Columbia concerning the manner in which the department's responsibilities are to be carried out. The procedures will…

This document provides an overview of the concepts and processes behind reference services and the most important sources consulted in answering common reference questions. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with concepts and theory. It covers ethical aspects of reference service, the reference interview, the principles and goals of…