Modern Library Technology and Reference Services

Develop improved reference services to keep up with the rapid technological changes in academic libraries with the help of this unique guide. Modern Library Technology and Reference Services includes guidelines for taking on an advisory role in an electronic environment, requesting budgetary support for implementing new information systems, and creating training programs for paraprofessional staff and end-users. Filled with valuable information regarding library planning and budgetary considerations, "technostress" at the reference desk, and the creation of new reference service areas to reflect different service needs, this book is a must for library administrators, librarians, and end-users who want to meet the challenges of modern library technology.This one-of-kind volume provides practical ways to enhance daily reference services, improve the image of librarianship, and bring new users into libraries. It prepares librarians for helping library users with a variety of different search protocols and user interfaces such as online public access catalogs (OPACs), the Internet, CD-ROM LANS, and online searching. All aspects of reference services in the modern electronic technological library are covered in chapters by library administrators and practicing reference librarians who share their practical experiences of how they adjusted their reference services to meet the demands of new technology. Modern Library Technology and Reference Services helps librarians develop a conceptual framework for helping researchers, use online systems and other electronic services, train paraprofessionals, integrate library technology use in the classroom, train end-users in college libraries, work in active partnership with researchers and producers of electronic databases, choose appropriate patron access databases, and effectively manage reference services in an electronic environment.