Reference | Readers’ Advisory
"Whether you are a fan of horror or are not interested in being scared, this book will have you recommending books that give your patrons a fright in no time."
— Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association
"A supremely useful guide."
— Booklist
"This readers’ advisory guide [is] a must-purchase for library professionals."
— Library Journal (starred review)
Guided by a national advisory board of educators and experts, this thoroughly updated text presents chapters covering fundamental concepts, major reference sources, and special topics while also offering fresh insights on timely issues, including
- a basic template for the skills required and expectations demanded of the reference librarian;
- the pandemic’s effect on reference services and how the ingenuity employed by libraries in providing remote and virtual reference is here to stay;
- a new chapter dedicated to health information, with a special focus on health equity and information sources;
- selecting and evaluating reference materials, with strategies for keeping up to date;
- a heightened emphasis on techniques for evaluating sources for misinformation and ways to give library users the tools to discern facts vs. “fake facts”;
- reference as programming, readers’ advisory services, developmentally appropriate material for children and young adults, and information literacy;
- evidence-based guidance on handling microaggressions in reference interactions, featuring discussions of cultural humility and competence alongside recommended resources on implicit bias;
- managing, assessing, and improving reference services; and
- the future of information and reference services, encapsulating existing models, materials, and services to project possible evolutions in the dynamic world of reference.
Surveying core sexual and reproductive health concepts, this straightforward and non-judgmental resource will support library workers in providing trustworthy guidance to patrons through fact-friendly reference and program services.
The bibliotherapy-informed practices, programs, and events outlined in this guide will help librarians support the mental health and personal growth of their patrons.
"Written in an accessible, engaging way that not only provides concrete examples of each type of blend, but also provides enough information for readers to start identifying and recommending blends on their own."
— Reference Reviews
"Thorough and easy to use, this guide should be something read by anyone working with (or raising!) children of any age."
— School Library Journal
"Librarians working with children or teens will find this book a useful guide in planning programs and selecting library resources for patrons in the throes of generational poverty (a term applied to families who have experienced poverty for at least two generations)."
— Catholic Library World
Edited by former public and school librarians, this important resource explores the exciting landscape of recent children’s literature and provides helpful frameworks and strategies for adults to think about the evaluation, curation, and use of these books with young people.
"Absolutely essential, and this updated edition cements its relevance."
— Booklist (starred review)
With several well-chosen booklists, practical programming ideas, and a brand new compendium of print and web-based resources, your only crime would be not adding this guide to your collection!
"This comprehensive look at challenged books and their merits should prove an invaluable tool for librarians looking to spark thoughtful conversation in the face of attempted censorship."
— Booklist
