Libraries in the Information Age or Skill Wars

Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration

Author: Denise K Fouri

Designed to introduce LIS students to the ever-changing world of modern libraries and information centers, this text provides an important overview of libraries in the era of electronic information. It helps students build necessary core knowledge in such areas as electronic dissemination of information, the impact of the Internet on libraries, the changing responsibilities of library professionals, the new paradigm for evaluating information, and characteristics and functions of today's library personnel. Each chapter revolves around a pertinent topic: the history of libraries, job opportunities, collections, preparing materials for use, circulation, reference service, ethics in the information age, job search basics, and the Internet. References and relevant books, Web sites, and publications at the end of every chapter point to further resources.

Library Journal

Intended for those entering a library/media technician course of study or for those pursuing a graduate library/information degree, this textbook is designed as a follow-up to, if not replacement for, Barbara Chernik's Introduction to Library Services (Libraries Unlimited, 1992), which was itself an expansion of her 1982 Introduction to Library Services for Library Technicians. Ten chapters, which each include listings of web sites, notes, resources, and study questions, are followed by four appendixes and two indexes. In trying to present a broad overview of the roles libraries play in this information age, Fourie (reference librarian, Cuesta Coll., San Luis Obispo, CA) and Dowell (director of learning resources, Cuesta Coll.) fail to discuss adequately librarianship as a career, including why one would choose it, or librarianship as a profession, why it exists at all. There is no one thread or focal point in the text on which a student might exclaim, "Aha! That's what a library is about!"-let alone consider working there as a career option. Rarely are the attitudes and attributes that prospective students need to have in looking at librarianship as a career given, and, except for Chapter 7: Reference Service, rarer still are specific skills for successful library work listed. That such an introduction and career exploration is needed is obvious; that this work is not the answer is obvious as well.-B. Susan Brown, Pamunkey Regional Lib., Hanover, VA

Booknews

Written for students and other interested in an overview of modern libraries and information centers, this text is especially useful for students beginning a course of study as a library/media technician in a community college curriculum, and for graduate library and information school students. It can also be used in continuing education courses for staff and as a reference. The text begins by examining the role of libraries in the electronic information era, then discusses job opportunities in library and information center settings, and details collections, processing, circulation, and reference activities. Resource sharing, ethics, and job hunting are also examined. The authors are affiliated with Cuesta College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Table of Contents:

	List of Figures
	Preface
	Acknowledgments
Ch. 1	Introduction	1
Ch. 2	A Brief History of Libraries	15
Ch. 3	Types of Library Job Opportunities	39
Ch. 4	Library Collections	99
Ch. 5	Preparing Materials for Use	115
Ch. 6	Circulation and Access to Materials	147
Ch. 7	Reference Service	181
Ch. 8	Ethics in the Information Age	199
Ch. 9	Job Search Basics	227
Ch. 10	Impact of the Internet	249
	App. A	267
	App. B	279
	App. C	281
	App. D	283
	Author/Title Index	289
	Subject Index	293

Books about economics: The Interplay of Influence or Introduction to Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Skill Wars: Winning the Battle for Productivity and Profit

Author: Edward E Gordon

Skill Wars shows how to increase productivity and profits by making investments in human capital development. It addresses the disparity between the available jobs and available workers. By education and training only 20% of all American workers can fit well into our demanding high-tech workplace. How do we train the 80%?

Skill Wars defines the race between advanced technology investment and human resources investment and shows managers how to measure that investment. It introduces a Human Capital Scoreboard of seven new business management/measurement tools including a more accurate calculation of ROI (Return on Investment) for employee performance improvement programs. It also provides case studies of how quality training can deliver on more problem-solving/thinking skills. It has a foreword by Joseph Boyett, author of The Guru Guide and Workplace 2000.

Skill Wars is a "basic workplace performance primer" that presents complex issues in a simple language and format that will move both business leaders and the American public to give their popular support. There are few viable alternatives. Gordon believes that, "Only at great peril can Americans continue to largely ignore the workplace as an important arena that helps structure learning for life."

Addresses the 'hot' topic of increasing worker skill shortages in American business
Offers a Human Capital Scorecard of seven new business management/measurement tools
Very important ROI (return on investment) chapter

Booknews

Documents the widening gap between the need for highly skilled workers and their availability, and points out the chilling consequences that may occur if the skill gap continues to widen. Outlines why the skills of the American workforce have become the most important factor in the competitiveness of individual companies and national economies, and lays out the basic building blocks for a new business learning system. Provides a worksheet to calculate an accurate return on investment for education and training. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)