New Library and Information Science Titles : Reference

A practitioner-researcher is an information professional who may not have formal training in using research methods and is learning how to use these methods during their busy, complex job. Reflections on Practitioner Research: A Practical Guide for Information Professionals can help information professionals build an understanding of the research process as applied to our field and address the challenges of undertaking research as a practitioner, as well offer support and advice for all stages of a research project, from writing the proposal to collecting the data to disseminating the findings. Twenty-five chapters from a blend of novice and experienced practitioner-researchers are divided into three thorough sections:

-- Section 1: Research Process. Grapples with various aspects of the overall research process, from topic selection to research design to time frame. How do you set a research agenda? What happens when your plans get derailed? How do you approach a topic that may be controversial?
-- Section 2: Research Methods. How information professionals use specific qualitative and quantitative research methods in their projects.
-- Section 3: Relationships. Investigates the ways in which relationships form and how they can impact the research process, and strategies that can help make your collaborative efforts successful rather than stressful.

Reflections on Practitioner Research attempts to capture the actual experience of doing research and the lessons that can be gained from that experience. Projects and studies are not always as linear or without hiccups as the published literature may lead us to believe, and this book shows and celebrates the complexity of information professionals using a research design by picking up these skills along the way.

Reference and user services librarians need to be in charge of their own careers. And when it comes to their own professional development, that means being proactive. This resource will enable professionals at every stage of their careers to honestly assess their skills and knowledge. Utilizing the RUSA (Reference and User Services Association) Professional Competencies as a framework for reflecting on strengths as well as gaps in expertise, it guides readers through developing strategies to enhance their professional standing and potential, thereby leading to a more satisfying career. In this book former RUSA president Whitlatch, who chaired the initial committee establishing the Competencies, teams up with expert trainer Woodard to

-- introduce the seven categories of the RUSA Professional Competencies, explaining the ways in which each is important to both practitioner and institution;
-- demonstrate how to create a personal development plan that focuses on development priorities;
-- discuss the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Competency Development Model and other action plans;
-- offer guidance for setting goals and measuring progress;
-- share information on a variety of development activities that readers can undertake to maintain and enhance professional competencies, including formal training opportunities, on-the-job experiences, and self-directed initiatives; and
-- provide recommended self-evaluation techniques such as writing up notes from group discussions, exercises, short verbal and written reports, crafting presentations on a topic, and sharing concrete examples of how skills were applied in the workplace.

This book not only authoritatively tells practitioners, managers, students and educators what is expected of reference and user services librarians, but also points the way towards achieving those competencies.

The United States Federal Government produces a massive trove of valuable information – but these resources are often difficult to locate and utilize, requiring the addition of another layer of cognizance and expertise to the librarian’s traditional skill set. Finding and UsingU.S. Government Information: A Practical Guide will:

-- Serve as a guide to the vast universe of government information, with a special focus on digital methods of delivery
-- Provide librarians with the tools they need to understand how government information is produced, organized, and located and how it can be effectively accessed
-- Offer an annotated listing by subject, which can serve as a ready reference tool for some of the most widely used government information resources
-- Help acquisitions and collection development librarians make purchasing decisions in light of resources freely available from the U.S. federal government.