This book demonstrates the usefulness of libraries by presenting a basic overview of how to find and use library materials. Many of the exercises require visits to a school or public library. Most of the worksheets can be completed with minimal assistance from the teacher. The work-study pages reflect the changing world of libraries and information centers. New technology affecting present libraries and libraries of the future is introduced and explained on these pages.

This brand new edition of Wolf's acclaimed work provides a self-contained, short course in essential library skills for patrons of college, high school and public libraries. The intent is to provide a quick and easy way to learn to do library research. The exercises contained herein give students hands-on experience by applying rules stated in the text to situations that approach real "research problems." Subjects addressed include a brief tour of the library; card catalogs and cataloging systems; filing rules; online public access catalogs; subject searching; bibliographies; book reviews and parts of a book; dictionaries; encyclopedias; handbooks; atlases; gazetteers; periodicals; newspapers; online database searching and reference sources; literature and criticism; e-books; government information and government documents; biographies; business, career and consumer information; non-print materials and special services; online computer use in libraries and schools; and hints for writing term papers. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

A comprehensive look at contemporary trends and practices in public libraries Current Practices in Public Libraries combines research, surveys, and practical experience to examine a variety of trends, issues, and practices in public library administration. The leading researchers in the field explore vital contemporary topics ranging from literacy instruction and advocacy to ethical concerns in the acquisition of foreign language materials. This practical professional guide presents examples of successful programs at individual libraries as well as results of comprehensive national surveys about funding, computers and Internet access, and branch closures. Current Practices in Public Libraries presents an extensive look at advocacy, ethics, multicultural outreach, literacy training, marketing, and mentoring in today’s public libraries. This comprehensive resource examines a wide range of issues, including public library funding; contributing factors to the quality of public access computing and Internet services; the impact of public library closures; recent human rights violations in U.S. public libraries; supporting local small business development; how multiculturalism and automation can affect collection development and technical services; new leadership models; the use of marketing and advocacy to build and sustain support for public libraries; promoting family learning activities; and the case for small, independent libraries. Current Practices in Public Libraries explores: library funding library expenditures budget shortfalls fiscal planning Internet access and connectivity library siting library Bill of Rights entrepreneurs customization of library services targeted services acquisitions collection development and management outsourcing state library agencies and associations federal library programs and legislation government relations information literacy tutoring and much more Current Practices in Public Libraries is an essential resource for librarians and library administrators working in public and academic settings, and for library sciences faculty and students.

'...Material presented here is replete with concrete new ideas not only for collaboration, but also for funding, training, personal involvement, Web-based instruction, and other concepts too numerous to mention. And the best thing about these ideas is that they are not the usual endlessly-discussed theories_these are ideas that have worked_and some which have failed_in the real world...Despite the myriad new works available today related to library instruction in general and information literacy in particular, none is devoted solely to collaborative efforts between teaching faculty and librarians. This is where Library User Education: Powerful Learning, Powerful Partnerships shines_just as in the real world, it's all about collaboration.' _Angela Weiler, Portal

Information literacy has been identified as a necessary skill for life, work and citizenship - as well as for academic study - for all of us living in today's information society. This international collection brings together practitioner and research papers from all sectors of information work. It includes case studies and good practice guides, including how librarians and information workers can facilitate information literacy from pre-school children to established researchers, digital literacy and information literacy for citizens.