Introduction to Reference Work, Vol. 1: Basic Information Services, 8th Edition

by William A. Katz

Basic Information Services, Volume I of Introduction to Reference Work , explains the essential reference processes and sources in today’s libraries. It is a tool for understanding and mastering fundamental reference forms - online, in print, and elsewhere. This eighth edition is completely rewritten to reflect the radical changes library science has undergone since the advent of widely available electronic databases and the Internet.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Reference, Textbooks

528 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[Velvetink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library chuck out.(actually the edition I have is the 7th edition 1997)
(a rather serendipitous find - two textbooks I don't have to spend big bucks on!)

[BlasphemiousOne · Rating 1 out of 5]

what read? do you expect me to say what i think even though i didn't read it? seriously?

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I said, I am working on my Library Science degree so I might as well let everyone know what all is on my plate these days.

Katz is quite the entertaining writer for a textbook. He gives many examples of reference materials that libraries can use and should have available. The only problem with the book is that it is quite outdated as far as the Internet is concerned. Many of the reference items discussed in the book that are in book format, are now almost exculsively found online through library websites since most of the reference companies charge for these services.

It is nice to read a textbook that is both enlightening and entertaining. Katz writes in a conversational language that is easy to understand. He does not spend time looking through Thesaurus's looking for long words in order to make him sound intelligent. He lays out the material and explains it in direct, understandable English.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The technologocial information in this book is dated. There isn't much point in trying the URL's because the majority of them do not work. Most annoying, however, is that this book needs major editing for distracting spelling and punctuation errors.

[John]

nonfiction,library science

[Hana Tandjung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important Book!!!

[Lisa Lewis Robison]

I almost feel guilty for adding text books, but I am reading them. And they are about all I'm reading these days...

[Velvetink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library chuck out. (actually the edition I have is the 7th edition 1997)

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I would have hoped. Old-school approach to library services.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful textbook for several classes in my MLS program.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book written with humor and simplicity.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so out of date! It's time for a new edition.