Reference and Collection Development on the Internet: A How-To-Do-It Manual (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Thomsen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1555702430 | ISBN-13: 978-1555702434 | Publication Date: July 1996 | Edition: 1

In recent years, reference and collection development staff have faced growing challenges as more and more materials--in a variety of formats--have become available. With the help of this cutting-edge manual, librarians can find thousands of Internet resources that offer guidance in collection development and reference services. It explains how and where to benefit from: Online communities (including local BBS systems, Internet, and commercial online giants like Compuserve, America Online, and Prodigy); professional interest groups (with information on which LISTSERVs are most relevant); USENET newsgroups (in dozens of reference subjects); literary groups; FAQs; and electronic texts. A valuable, time-saving and timely addition to the professional shelf.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Librarians like to believe that when people have questions or need information, they head straight for the library. However, "their natural inclination is not to visit the library.... It is to ask a friend, neighbor...for information...." Thomsen, a former public librarian and current member services manager of the North of Boston Library Exchange, refers to the Internet as a "communication tool," i.e., the friend or neighbor to turn to. Her manual is written "to give reference and collection development librarians a sense of the Internet as a community of individuals and organizations who share information through online conversations and online resources." Thomsen's well-written text begins with a history/overview, followed by chapters on E-mail groups, rec.arts.books, USENET groups, FAQs, gopher and World Wide Web, and library catalogs, databases and electronic books on the Internet. Copious figures/examples appear throughout. Included are two appendixes, one focusing on addresses and descriptions of traditional vertical file-type sites and one providing a "representative" selection of Internet booklists. With the plethora of Internet manuals available, one might be wary of yet another; however, this guide is unique in that it discusses the potential of the Internet as a useful tool for both reference and collection development librarians. The USENET and rec.arts.books chapters do a particularly good job applying the Internet to reference and collection development functions. Thomsen offers a solid, basic introduction to reference and collection development on the net, yet much of this information can be culled from professional periodicals and general Internet publications. At $45, some libraries might find this purchase excessive and of minimal value to their collections.?Janet L. Brewer, Murray State Univ. Lib., Ky.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...an effective manual...a useful book for librarians whose experience with the Internet may be limited. -- Media & Methods

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Neal Schuman Pub; 1 edition (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555702430
• ISBN-13: 978-1555702434
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,005,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Straight facts, May 28, 2000

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This review is from: Reference and Collection Development on the Internet: A How-To-Do-It Manual (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians) (Paperback)

A quick, easy-to-read resource for learning the basics of the internet, including history, terminology, and tools for navigation. Many useful tips and resources on how to take advantage of the internet for listservs, e-mail, USENET newsgroups, and the World Wide Web. This book will definitely help you learn how to use the internet for reference services or collection development in your library.