Libraries in the information age : an introduction and career exploration

The book Library Media Connection cited as something "all librarians need to have on their shelves" is now thoroughly revised for today's 21st-century library environment. Covering both technology and library practices, the title has been a go-to text for librarians and library school students since 2002.

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.

• Illustrations p. ix
• Preface for the Third Edition p. xi
• Acknowledgments p. xiii
• 1 Redefining the Role of Libraries p. 1
• 2 A Brief History of Libraries p. 15
• 3 Types of Libraries and Library Careers p. 41
• 4 Collections p. 109
• 5 Preparing Materials for Use p. 129
• 6 Circulation p. 167
• 7 Reference Service p. 205
• 8 Ethics in the Information Age p. 231
• 9 Job Search Basics p. 279
• 10 Evolving Library Services p. 301
• Appendix A Declaration for the Right to Libraries p. 329
• Appendix B "Library Bill of Rights" p. 331
• Appendix C Code of Ethics of the American Library Association p. 333
• Appendix D The Freedom to Read Statement p. 335
• Index p. 339