Overview
This updated edition is tailored specifically for the school library media specialist, focusing on reference processes, sources, services, and skills. It also offers useable, real-life examples—ones media specialists can refer to when particular reference situations arise in school library media centers. This new edition contains updated terminology and techniques, research processes and models, selection, evaluation, maintenance of reference sources, and addresses the vast changes in technology with a wealth of web-based tools and new print resources. Webliographies provide a value-added component to this book.
Synopsis
In this update of the 2000 text designed for courses preparing students for a degree in school library media, Riedling adds Webliographies and updated information on publishers and Web tools. Regarding such specialists as key players in promoting information literacy, she emphasizes communication in linking students' information needs with relevant print and electronic reference sources. The guide includes realistic scenario-based exercises and a glossary. No details are provided on the author's background. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
School Library Journal
For this new edition, Riedling has updated the technology discussions, relevant Web sites, and online resources within the appropriate chapters rather than appending a separate chapter. The other major change is the final chapter, which contains both an exercise as well as a separate reference scenario for elementary school, middle school, and high school. The author discusses a wide range of standard reference tools. Information is boxed and bulleted for quick reference. Annotated and complete lists of print and online resources are included. The up-to-date Webliographies included at the end of each chapter will be of great assistance to students and beginning librarians. This is a helpful tool for those new to the profession. A good complement to the more general texts on librarianship that are often used.-Lori Matthews, Loyola School, New York City Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Each type of library—school, public, academic, etc.—has its own unique needs, including how they tackle reference questions and collections. This unique perspective is often lost in professional materials on general reference services for patrons. However, Ann Riedling has taken that uniqueness and made it the focus of this work. The book is divided into five major parts—definition of reference, a review of major reference materials, the art of the reference interview, reference on the Web, and scenarios and examples. In explaining the major reference materials, the author has provided a rationale for materials to be included, guidance for examples of those materials at all levels, and a scope for selecting these materials for purchase. The major addition to this second edition has been online databases and Internet resources. While the author focuses an entire chapter on the Web, she also has infused into the other chapters a 'Webliography' of online resources for each major reference area. Instructors of school library reference and collection development courses will find this edition to be a good choice for a textbook. Beginning school library media specialists especially will find this book helpful; however, even those with several years in the field may appreciate the Web resources and the suggested titles to consider. Recommended."
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Library Media Connection