Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 156308130X, Hardcover)

This text is designed to provide the beginning student of library and information science with an overview of the most important tools for general reference work and the concepts and theory behind today's reference services. Part I deals with concepts and theory and is topical. It covers such areas as ethical aspects of reference service, reference interview, the principles and goals of library instruction, bibliographic control and search strategies, training and continuing education for reference staff, the evaluation of reference services, and the management of these services. In many cases specific applications in different types of libraries are pointed out. Expanded coverage of electronic reference service is provided by two full chapters devoted to basic principles and current trends in this area. A separate chapter covers unique approaches to reference service for special groups. Part II describes the general principles and sources for selecting and evaluating reference tools and the princi