Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age

For many librarians, the meaning of the word -reference- is changing so rapidly that it is unsettling. Joe Janes, founder of the Internet Public Library, provides this perfect mix of provocative arguments and useful, hands-on advice. He addresses important questions including: what is the optimal mix of desk/phone/email/chat? What kind of resource for what kind of user? What software for what purpose? What values to hold on to and what habits to break? Loaded with salient considerations, pointers, and encouragement, this book will have at the library world talking on a subject we urgently need to address.