Reference Reborn

Zabel, Diane, ed. Reference Reborn: Breathing New Life into Public Services Librarianship. Libraries Unlimited, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-59158-828-3

This collection of essays covers a wide range of topics, including new service configurations, the impact of e-resources in reference and collection development, and innovative outreach. The essays are organized in broad themes:

• Service Models
• Roles of Reference Librarians
• Technology
• Collection Development
• Staffing
• Education and Training 

Check out the Table of Contents to see the wide range of topics covered. 

Genealogy and Indexing

Spaltro, Kathleen, ed. Genealogy and Indexing.  Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2003.  929.1072 Genea.  ISBN 978-1573871631

Kathleen Spaltro has assembled a wonderful collection of experts in the field of genealogical indexing. Collectively, they will walk you through the process of indexing, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and share some of their experiences that will help make your own publishing efforts successful ... you won't want to put this book down, for it holds many of the secrets needed to take our diligent, yet often disorganized, genealogical world into the future -- a well-indexed future! Illya J. D'Addezio-Genealogy Today

Teach Beyond Your Reach

Neidorf, Robin.  Teach Beyond Your Reach: An Instructor’s Guide to Developing and Running Successful Distance Learning Classes, Workshops, Training Sessions, and More.  2^nd ed.  Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2012.  371.35 Neido.   ISBN 978-1937290016  

Taking a practical, curriculum-focused approach, this guide for both new and experienced distance educators allows them to develop and deliver quality courses and training sessions. Providing practices and examples, and surveying the tools of the trade, this fully updated and revised edition covers key issues including instructional design, course craft, adult learning styles, student–teacher interaction, and strategies for building a community of learners. Discussing how distance learning enables students of all kinds to earn college and graduate degrees, professional certificates, and a wide range of skills and credentials, this book details the rapidly expanding role of distance learning in higher education and the types of organizations that now offer Web-based training courses and teleseminars to their employees, clients, and other associates.

Indexing Names

Bridge, Noeline, ed.  Indexing Names.  Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2012. 025.3 Index    ISBN 978-1573874502

Don't be deceived into thinking names are easy to index! They can present a challenge that consumes a disproportionate amount of an indexer's time. Now at last we have a book wholly devoted to the subject. Coverage includes names from classical and medieval times and those belonging to particular ethnicities and nationalities, along with those peculiar to specific genres, especially biography, religion, and the performance and fine arts. Fictional, corporate, and geographical names as well as those of royalty and nobility are discussed. You'll find advice on when and how to index names mentioned in peripheral ways and guidance in avoiding the pitfalls of automated name indexing.

With Indexing Names, Noeline Bridge and her contributing experts from around the globe have created an essential reference for all indexers working in the English language and an instant classic within the field.

Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries

Hernon, Peter and Joseph R. Matthews, eds.  Reflecting on the Future of Academic and Public Libraries.  Chicago: ALA, 2013.  027.4730112 Refle    ISBN 978-0838911877

Academic and public libraries are much different today than they were even 15 years ago. And with even bigger changes on the horizon, what lies in store? In this systematic attempt to speak to academic and public librarians about the future of library services, Hernon and Matthews invite a raft of contributors to step back and envision the type of future library that will generate excitement and enthusiasm among users and stakeholders. Anyone interested in the future of libraries, especially library managers, will be engaged and stimulated as the contributors

·        Examine the current state of the library, summarizing existing literature on the topic to sketch in historical background

·        Project into the future, using SWOT analysis, environmental scans, and other techniques to posit how library infrastructure (such as staff, collections, technology, and facilities) can adapt in the decades ahead

·        Construct potential scenarios that library leaders can use to forge paths for their own institutions

The collection of knowledge and practical wisdom in this book will help academic and public libraries find ways to honor their missions while planning for the broader institutional changes already underway.