Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration [Paperback]

Denise K Fourie (Author), David R. Dowell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563086344 | ISBN-13: 978-1563086342 | Publication Date: April 18, 2002

Designed to introduce LIS students to the ever-changing world of modern libraries and information centers, this text provides an important overview of libraries in the era of electronic information. It helps students build necessary core knowledge in such areas as electronic dissemination of information, the impact of the Internet on libraries, the changing responsibilities of library professionals, the new paradigm for evaluating information, and characteristics and functions of today's library personnel. Each chapter revolves around a pertinent topic: the history of libraries, job opportunities, collections, preparing materials for use, circulation, reference service, ethics in the information age, job search basics, and the Internet. References and relevant books, Web sites, and publications at the end of every chapter point to further resources. Additional information-such as policies, the library bill of rights, the code of ethics, and the freedom to read statement-is supplied in the appendixe

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Intended for those entering a library/media technician course of study or for those pursuing a graduate library/information degree, this textbook is designed as a follow-up to, if not replacement for, Barbara Chernik's Introduction to Library Services (Libraries Unlimited, 1992), which was itself an expansion of her 1982 Introduction to Library Services for Library Technicians. Ten chapters, which each include listings of web sites, notes, resources, and study questions, are followed by four appendixes and two indexes. In trying to present a broad overview of the roles libraries play in this information age, Fourie (reference librarian, Cuesta Coll., San Luis Obispo, CA) and Dowell (director of learning resources, Cuesta Coll.) fail to discuss adequately librarianship as a career, including why one would choose it, or librarianship as a profession, why it exists at all. There is no one thread or focal point in the text on which a student might exclaim, "Aha! That's what a library is about!"-let alone consider working there as a career option. Rarely are the attitudes and attributes that prospective students need to have in looking at librarianship as a career given, and, except for Chapter 7: Reference Service, rarer still are specific skills for successful library work listed. That such an introduction and career exploration is needed is obvious; that this work is not the answer is obvious as well.
B. Susan Brown, Pamunkey Regional Lib., Hanover, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Intended as an introduction for students and others interested in the field, this book does a fine job of tracing the history of libraries as well as reviewing some current library trends and issues. Ten concise chapters cover topics ranging from collections, circulation, and reference service to ethics and the impact of the Internet. Types of library job opportunities are discussed, and there is a chapter on the basics of job searching. Four appendixes supply important ALA documents, such as the Library Bill of Rights. Of particular interest is the additional material provided at the end of each chapter: study questions for those who intend to use this as a textbook and resource lists that include articles, books, and Web sites. This volume will be useful to anyone considering or preparing for a library career, training library staff, or needing a quick reference explaining library practice and procedure. Carolyn Mulac
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (April 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563086344
• ISBN-13: 978-1563086342
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #874,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars textbook review, September 10, 2011

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FlooFrog - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration (Paperback)

I bought this for school and learned a lot from it. The information is current and useful for those studying library careers.

3.0 out of 5 stars It's a Textbook..., January 19, 2011

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Kimberly-Ann "Purveyor of Literacy" (Terra Firma) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration (Paperback)

Ok, it's a required textbook for SJSU/SLIS.....when I finished I added it to the Library's collection for other students to use. It's used a lot!

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plain and Simple, July 20, 2007

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A. Slaven (Morgantown, WV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration (Paperback)

Text is plain and simple. Straightforward information about libraries and careers offered in the library field.