Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration

by Denise K. Fourie, Nancy E. Loe (co-author)

Since the second edition of this must-have book was published in late 2009, libraries have undergone profound changes, primarily linked to advances in technology. We've seen the debut of RDA, the release of new Pew Research library and Internet use data, and the establishment of digital repositories, community MakerSpaces, and "community reads" programs. Of course, libraries have also been affected by the expanding use of social media. This thoroughly updated title addresses all these changes and more, bringing you up to date on the monumental shifts impacting librarianship.

The book is designed to introduce LIS students to the profession, preparing them to enter an exciting and evolving world. It clarifies the changing roles and responsibilities of library professionals, new paradigms for evaluating information, and characteristics and functions of today's library personnel. Among other subjects, chapters cover preparing materials for use, circulation, reference services, ethics in the information age, Internet trends, and job search basics. References, websites, and publications at the end of every chapter point to further resources, and appendices supply information such as policies, the library bill of rights, and the Freedom to Read statement.

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2002

Reviews

[Judie]

Good introductory book on Information and Library Science, this text book touches on all aspects of ILS and presents topics in a straightforward, fundamental style. If you’re studying ILS this book is a well written and interesting read.

[Debbie]

High level overview of librarianship, the evolving library, and the changing role of the paraprofessional.

[Anna Richey]

Surprisingly well-written and interesting for a textbook.

[Kat]

I originally started reading this in pursuit of my bachelor's in library science degree but ended up reading ahead out of fun. It was thrilling to discover new concepts in the field of librarianship. I am sure my inner nerd is showing, but I do not care! It introduces base level introduction to the history of libraries and a brief overview of the breakdown, and fundamentals of current operations.

[Myrnyll Rhoidz]

I want to read this whole book as part of my MLIS.

[Bree]

An interesting read that I had to read for class.

[Jessica]

Very useful and practical information; I used this book a lot while completing my ePortfolio for my MLIS.


Pop Sugar’s 2018 Reading Challenge - A book with an ugly cover

[Rhonda]

Read this for the Introduction to Libraries class I took. It was a bit outdated but the teacher definitely made up for it with different online tools.

[L.T.]

Fairly solid for a textbook, but it definitely needs to be updated.