Part I. Fundamental concepts -- Introduction to reference and information services -- Determining the question : in-person, telephone, and virtual reference interviews -- Finding the answer : basic search techniques -- Part II. Introduction to major reference sources -- Answering questions about books, magazines, newspapers, libraries and publishing, and bibliographic networks : bibliographic resources -- Answering questions about anything and everything -- encyclopedias -- Answering questions that require handy facts -- ready reference sources -- Answering questions about words -- dictionaries, concordances, and manuals -- Answering questions about current events, issues and research topics -- databases (and indexes) -- Answering questions about law and business -- special guidelines and sources -- Answering questions about health -- special guidelines and sources / Emily Vardell -- Answering questions about geography, countries, and travel -- atlases, gazetteers, maps, geographic information systems, and travel guides -- Answering questions about the lives of people -- biographical information sources -- Answering questions about government and related issues -- government information sources -- Part III. When and how to use the internet as a reference tool -- Readers' advisory services / Maria Fesz and Cindy Orr -- Reference services for children and young adults / Melissa Gross -- Information literacy in the reference department -- Part IV. Developing and managing reference collections and services -- Selecting and evaluating reference material -- Managing reference departments -- Assessing and improving reference services -- Ethics in reference / Diana Floegel -- Reference 2.0 -- The future of information services -- Appendix A. RUSA outstanding reference sources 2012-2022 -- Appendix B. RUSA definition of reference.
Summary:
"The fifth edition of Reference and Information Services: An Introduction is consciously aimed at arming the reference librarian with the skills, expertise, and mindset needed to keep up with changing resources and best practices"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.