of search methods have changed reference work profoundly.
Today s reference librarian must work in a whole new way not
only service-focused and businesslike, but even entrepreneurial.
Murphy innovatively rethinks the philosophy behind current
library reference services in this thought-provoking book, which
- Rebrands reference librarianship on the model of a
consulting business, providing a renewed vision of the
reference desk by treating patrons as clients - Spells out the importance of the patron s voice, and details
methods for building and maintaining relationships with
patrons - Identifies the reference librarian s competitive advantage over Web search engines and
shows how to capitalize on it
frontline staff and administrators in any type of reference department to monitor and continuously
improve their library s services.