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.