Information Services Today

An Introduction

Edited by Sandra Hirsh

Publication date:

19 March 2015

Length of book:

514 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442239579

This essential overview of what it means to be a library and information professional today provides a broad overview of the transformation of libraries as information organizations, why these organizations are more important today than ever before, the technological influence on how we provide information resources and services in today’s digital and global environment, and the various career opportunities available for information professionals. The book begins with a historical overview of libraries and their transformation as information and technology hubs within their communities. It also covers the various specializations within the field emphasizing the exciting yet complex roles and opportunities for information professionals. With that foundation in place, it presents how libraries serve different kinds of communities, highlighting the unique needs of users across all ages and how libraries fulfill those needs through a variety of services, and addresses key issues facing information organizations as they meet user needs in the Digital Age. The book then concludes with career management strategies to guide library and information science professionals in building not only vibrant careers but vibrant information organizations for the future as well.

Part 1 - Information Landscapes: Cultural and Technological Influences Chapter 1: The Transformative Information Landscape: What it Means to be an Information Professional Today Sandra Hirsh, San José State University Chapter 2: Libraries and Information Organizations: Two Centuries of Experience Christine Pawley, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chapter 3: Information Communities: Defining the Focus of Information Service Karen Fisher, University of Washington Anne Bishop, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Chapter 4: Diversity, Cultures, and Equity of Access Patty Wong, Yolo County Library Miguel Figueroa, Center for the Future of Libraries; American Library Association Part 2 – Information Professions: Physical and Virtual Environments Chapter 5: Librarianship: A Continuously Evolving Profession Stephen Abram, Federation of Ontario Public Libraries; Lighthouse Consulting, Inc. Chapter 6:Literacy and Media Centers in the 21st Century: School Libraries Mary Ann Harlan, San José State University Chapter 7: The Learning and Research Institution: Academic Libraries Todd Gilman, Yale University Library Chapter 8: Community Heart, Anchor, and Safe Haven: Public Libraries Kathleen De La Pena McCook, University of South Florida Chapter 9:Information Centers: Special Libraries Cheryl R. Dee, San José State University Stephen Abram, Federation of Ontario Public Libraries; Lighthouse Consulting, Inc. Deb Hunt, Mechanics’ Institute San Francisco; Information Edge Chapter 10:Digital Resources: Digital Libraries Lisa Gregory, North Carolina Digital Heritage Center Amy Rudersdorf, Digital Public Library of America Chapter 11: Expanding the Horizon of the MLIS Melissa Fraser-Arnott, Queensland University of Technology – San José State University (QUT-SJSU) Gateway PhD Program Part 3 – Information Services: Roles in the Digital Age Chapter 12: Information Needs: Understanding and Responding to Today’s Information User Heather O'Brien, University of British Columbia Devon Greyson, University of British Columbia Chapter 13:Finding Information: Information Intermediation and Reference Services Michelle Holschuh Simmons, San José State University Chapter 14: Organizing Information: Technical Services Sylvia D. Hall-Ellis, San José State University; Colorado Community College System Chapter 15: Accessing Information Anywhere and Anytime: Access Services Michael J. Krasulski, University of the Sciences Chapter 16: Teaching Users: Information & Technology Literacy Instruction April D. Cunningham, Palomar College Stephanie Rosenblatt, Cerritos College Part 4 – Information Users: Engaging, Creating, and Collaborating via Technology Chapter 17: User Experience Aaron Schmidt, Library User Experience Consulting Chapter 18: Hyperlinked Libraries Michael Stephens, San José State University Chapter 19:Creation Culture and Makerspaces Kristin Fontichiaro, University of Michigan Chapter 20:Infinite Learning Paul Signorelli, Paul Signorelli & Associates Part 5 – Information Organizations: Management Skills for the Information Professional Chapter 21: Management Skills Janine Golden, University of Southern California Chapter 22: Managing Budgets Sara F. Jones, Marin County Free Library Chapter 23: Managing Personnel Cass Mabbott, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Chapter 24: Managing Facilities Paul Glassman, William Paterson University Chapter 25: Managing Collections Wayne T. Disher, San José State University Chapter 26: Managing Technology Marshall Breeding, Independent Technology Consultant Chapter 27: Managing Communications, Marketing, and Outreach Christie Koontz, Florida State University; San José State University Chapter 28: Demonstrating Value: Assessment Cheryl Stenström, San José State University Part 6 – Information Issues: Influences and Consequences Chapter 29: Information Policy Kate Marek, Dominican University Chapter 30: Information Ethics Martin L. Garnar, Regis University Chapter 31: Copyright and Creative Commons Mary Minow, LibraryLaw.com Liz Hamilton, Dominican University Chapter 32: Information Licensing Celeste Feather, LYRASIS Maura Hadaway, LYRASIS Tom Sanville, LYRASIS Chapter 33: Open Access Heather Joseph, The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) Chapter 34: Analog and Digital Curation and Preservation Katherine Skinner, Educopia Institute Chapter 35: Information Privacy and Cybersecurity Cherie L. Givens, San José State University Chapter 36: Intellectual Freedom Barbara M. Jones, Office for Intellectual Freedom; Freedom to Read Foundation; American Library Association Part 7: Information Horizons: Career Management and Leadership Strategies Chapter 37: Career Management Strategies for Lifelong Success Naomi House, INALJ.com Chapter 38: Global Learning Networks Jan Holmquist, Guldborgsund Public Library Chapter 39: Leadership for Today and Tomorrow Carol H. Sawyer, University of La Verne

Through its comprehensive profile of the services, skills, and challenges that exist within today’s information organizations, Information Services Today: An Introduction demonstrates that though the work of information professionals may be carried on in the background, at times with little fanfare, the true impact of that work on the lives of community members is far-reaching and immeasurable.