The Librarian as Information Consultant: Transforming Reference for the Information Age

Library users evolving information needs and their choice
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
  

Murphy adapts existing business practices and programs to the context of the library, allowing
frontline staff and administrators in any type of reference department to monitor and continuously
improve their library s services.