Essential Reference Services for Todays School Media Specialists

This book was developed for a course the authors co-teach in essential reference skills knowledge for school library media specialists. It focuses on core reference skills, current electronic and print resources, and leadership in teaching reference in K-12 school libraries. The authors have reviewed the AASL guidelines Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning and focus on how school media specialists can assist students in becoming information literate by teaching core reference and information processing skills and by building an excellent reference collection in their school media centers.

By bringing readers up to date with today's information literacy standards, the authors aim to help librarians bring beneficial electronic resources to their schools....[t]he authors balance the importance of books and print references with databases and the Internet. They also give advice about how to support the school's curriculum and remain an active partner with teachers.Christian School Teacher

School librarians (or, more correctly, school media specialists) have different reference skills than public or academic librarians, allowing them to perform their work efficiently and effectively. This book will greatly assist school librarians in providing proper information to their patrons....Written in a professional, yet highly readable style, this book can serve as an introduction to reference services for new and experienced school media specialists, as well as students interested in a school media specialist career. Insightful and practical, Essential Reference Services for Today's School Media Specialists is an important addition to any school media specialist's reference book collection.Reference &User Services Quarterly

Individuals who are considering a career in library science, veterans who are in need of a review of current practices, and library-school students would all benefit from this overview....The book is organized with clearly labeled headings and subheadings and has a clear and direct writing style that employs the effective use of analogy. The practical, hasic information appeals to those who need a quick, "to-the-point" update on a variety of current topics, particularly in reference services.School Library Journal

This title presents a wide-ranging look at reference services....All librarians will find something useful in this book. Recommended.Library Media Connection

Describes how school media specialists can assist students in becoming information literate by teaching core reference and information processing skills and by building an excellent reference collection in their school media centers.

SCOTT LANNING is the Public Services Librarian at Southern Utah University.JOHN BRYNER is the Director of the School Library Program at Southern Utah University.