Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, Fifth Edition

by Kay Ann Cassell, Uma Hiremath

From the ongoing flood of misinformation to the swift changes occasioned by the pandemic, a myriad of factors is spurring our profession to rethink reference services. Luckily, this classic text is back in a newly overhauled edition that thoughtfully addresses the evolving reference landscape. Designed to complement every introductory library reference course, Cassell and Hiremath's book also serves as the perfect resource to guide current practitioners in their day-to-day work. It teaches failsafe methods for identifying important materials by matching specific types of questions to the best available sources, regardless of format. Guided by a national advisory board of educators and experts, this thoroughly updated text presents chapters covering fundamental concepts, major reference sources, and special topics while also offering fresh insights on timely issues, including

a basic template for the skills required and expectations demanded of the reference librarian;
the pandemic’s effect on reference services and how the ingenuity employed by libraries in providing remote and virtual reference is here to stay;
a new chapter dedicated to health information, with a special focus on health equity and information sources;
selecting and evaluating reference materials, with strategies for keeping up to date;
a heightened emphasis on techniques for evaluating sources for misinformation and ways to give library users the tools to discern facts vs. “fake facts”;
reference as programming, readers’ advisory services, developmentally appropriate material for children and young adults, and information literacy;
evidence-based guidance on handling microaggressions in reference interactions, featuring discussions of cultural humility and competence alongside recommended resources on implicit bias;
managing, assessing, and improving reference services; and
the future of information and reference services, encapsulating existing models, materials, and services to project possible evolutions in the dynamic world of reference

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Read For School, Library Science

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most of the textbooks I rate here, I didn’t read it cover to cover, but over the course of this semester, I read most of it, and it was a valuable combination of instruction about reference service and lists of resources to consult for the different questions librarians receive. The fourth edition is fairly recent, and when I compare it to other scholarly research we read in class, and to my 12 years’ experience working in a public library, I think it provides a solid overview and helpful tips for the different types and formats of modern reference service.
I own this on kindle, which worked well for me as a student, but I recommend the print version as an excellent resource to keep at reference desks to provide a quick, easy way to find good sources to help with reference questions. Many of the chapters are much more conducive to this use than as fascinating word-for-word reads.

[Jay Demopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best textbooks I’ve ever had to read. I read this for a class on reference services in public libraries and it’s the Ike textbook I can remember where I didn’t hate what I was reading. Even if you’re not going for a MLIS degree, knowing about reference service and how it has evolved over the last hundred or so years is highly interesting. Great book, great class!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I count my textbooks as books read in the year. This one is very informative, and I like how the chapters are quick reads. It really feels like I could use it in the future as a librarian, so I'm not sure I'm going to sell it back. I read the 2018, paperback edition.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to reference services. Many resources listed though a few are already out of date.

[Sen]

Adding my grad school textbooks because they're all I have time to read nowadays💀

[Maya Lane DeGala Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this textbook !!

[Emily]

text book for grad school

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information here, but I also fell asleep a lot of times while trying to read this.

[Ida]

Textbook. Good info, but really is introductory. If you've worked in libraries for more than a couple of years, you probably know most of it.

[Keke Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My papers and discussions were enhanced from reading this book! Very enjoyable read this semester!