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Libraries as Spaces
Today’s librarian can feel fortunate to work in an environment constantly reaping the benefits of a digital and automated service. What has not changed, however, is the constant struggle to provide a learning space that inspires and aids readers. Increasingly, libraries are under pressure to provide comfortable environments that readers are likely to use, similar to coffee shops or the comfort of their homes. As this trend develops, there has been a swell in literature aimed at assisting library staff in their goals to provide the best learning environment possible.
It is also interesting to note the increasing interest in the design of new library buildings and their architecture. Libraries are turning from utilitarian buildings into identifiable masterpieces that entice and intrigue their readers. The Library Science Collection has a wealth of literature that covers all areas of library design, architecture and maintenance.
Better library and learning space : edited by Les Watson
Libraries driving access to knowledge / edited by Jesús Lau, Anna Maria Tammaro and Theo Bothma
Libraries designed for kids / Nolan Lushington
Planning academic and research library buildings / Philip D. Leighton, David C. Weber
Space planning / Roberta Freifeld and Caryl Masyr
Photo credit: Renaud Camus
Serving Online Readers
The biggest force pressing on library services and collections today is undoubtedly the internet and its ability to provide fast and diverse content to a scattered community. As libraries continue to move towards e-resources and encourage their users to consult digital collections, it is worth reviewing the policies and practices that are designed to support their use. Such services are of considerable importance when put into the context of a digital divide that cause library users to be cautious of using e-resources.
It can therefore be useful to consult the Library Sciences collection housed at the University Library. Below are some examples of the collections literature covering digital service provision and the rapid increase in digital content being made available to library users. For anyone studying, interested in, or working in libraries, the issue of digital services is set to be an exciting field with a long future.
Serving online customers : lessons for libraries from the business world by Donald A. Barclay.
Development of digital libraries : an American perspective edited by Deanna B. Marcum
Politics of promoting freedom of information and expression in international librarianship : the IFLA/FAIFE Project by Alex Byrne
Libraries and society : role, responsibility and future in an age of change edited by David Baker and Wendy Evans
Serving online customers : lessons for libraries from the business world by Donald A. Barclay.
‘Library and Information Science: A Guide to Key Literature and Sources’
Librarianship is a broad subject and contains many specialisms within it. This can make searching for relevant resources a taxing job and can lead to frustrating results. Luckily, the Library Science Collection has received a copy of Michael Bemis’ new book Library and Information Science: A Guide to Key Literature and Sources (9852.b.200.11), designed to give an overview of authoritative books on all areas of librarianship.
This brief bibliography of all things library related is a well laid out and professionally written guide for anyone that needs directing to useful books. It’s uniqueness in attempting to provide a reference for all areas of librarianship makes it almost a definitive guide to the discipline. The broad scope and diverse range of books referenced also make it a useful guide for both library practitioners and students studying information sciences. This is because Bemis’ book offers references for academic textbooks and useful ‘how-to’ guides which will appeal to anyone who works within the profession. A selection of encyclopaedias, surveys and electronic resources are also included which help fulfil the author’s ambition to provide a full and up-to-date account of resources available to the librarianship community.
This guide will sit at the heart of the Library Science Collection as a useful and unique guide to finding relevant information within the discipline of librarianship. For anyone interested in finding what has (and what has not) been written about any aspect of our profession, this book is a must read.
Readers Services for Disabled Readers
Anyone who works in a library knows that they serve a diverse community of readers who expect high standard of service. One of the most important issues surrounding diversity is how to serve disabled readers and ensure that institutions are accessible and well equipped for their needs. As the laws surrounding disabilities are continuously updated and technology is constantly evolving, it is important to stay ahead of these developments and the needs of disabled users.
The Library Science Collection has a broad range of resources focussed on providing a high quality library service for disabled readers. These useful guides include information on helping readers who are blind, hearing impaired or in a wheelchair, so that they can make the most of their library. Below is a list of a few of the books the collections holds:
Library services for visually and hearing impaired users edited by David Barton
Reading groups, libraries and social inclusion by Eileen Hyder
Assistive technologies in the library by Barbara T. Mates
Librarians serving diverse populations by Lori Mestre
Serving the disabled by Keith C. Wright, Judith F. Davie
Improving library services to people with disabilities edited by Courtney Deines-Jones
The library manager’s guide to hiring and serving disabled persons by Kieth C. Wright and Judith F. Davie
Library technology for visually and physically impaired patrons by Barbara T. Mates
Business and Law Libraries
For many of us that work in libraries, it is easy to focus on the type of institution we serve along with the traditions and conventions they hold. In Cambridge, this has led to a bias towards academic libraries and how they can serve the university and student community. As Cambridge and its surrounding areas increasingly transforms into a business focused district, it is interesting to discover that a wealth of information exists focusing on the attributes and developments of libraries in this field. Furthermore, many businesses depend on law libraries, which also offer a different perspective of modern librarianship.
For anyone studying information sciences or simply interested in seeing how different institutions operate, the University Library holds a diverse range of resources aimed at helping business and law libraries.
Business school libraries in the 21st century edited by Tim Wales
Manual of business library practice edited by Malcolm J. Campbell
Law firm librarianship by John Azzolini
International business reference sources by Cynthia C. Ryans
Business information sources by Christine O’Hare
Navigating business information sources by Maria E. Burke, Hazel Hall
Photo credit: Flazingo Photos
End Your Year Professionally
As 2014 passes into 2015, many of us will take time to reflect on what we have achieved over the past year, including in our careers. For anyone looking to start the New Year with a new challenge and more career opportunities, there is a wealth of knowledge available in the Library Science Collection. The Collection is well equipped to provide practical guidance for anyone interested in relevant courses, continuing professional development or in need of inspiration on how to create a portfolio for CILIP Chartership.
Learning more about the profession we work in is a vital part of enjoying and succeeding in what we do. Of equal importance is the ability to record and expand on experiences and training to ensure recognition for achievements. The Library Science Collection houses a substantial collection of books aimed at helping librarians make the most of their experiences and knowledge. As this year comes to a close, feel free to browse the books below and take time to remember and record all that has been achieved over the past year. Also, anyone seeking a new challenge in 2015, check out the selection of library science course prospectuses housed next to the collection.
Preparing the information professional : an agenda for the future by Sajjad ur Rehman
Continuing professional development – preparing for new roles in libraries edited by Paul Genoni and Graham Walton
Active learning techniques for librarians : practical examples by Andrew Walsh and Padma Inala
Building your portfolio : the CILIP guide by Margaret Watson
Education for library cataloging : international perspectives by Dajin D. Sun, Ruth C. Carter
Photo credit: Daniel Kulinski
How-To-Do-It Manuals for Librarians
There are many interesting reads in the Library Science Collection but sometimes we don’t have as much time for in-depth research as we would like. Luckily the collection includes a number of volumes in the How-to-do-it Manuals for Librarians series.
For those who have never come across this series before, these books offer a guide on a wide variety of library subjects from cataloguing to customer service. As the title would imply what you will find is step-by-step guide to follow to help you towards your goal, whether it’s Conducting the Reference Interview or Diffusing the Angry Patron. The titles are written in clear and easy to follow language and offer lots of templates that you can use to accomplish your task. I found the templates especially useful as a way to get started on a project or assignment. By answering a few simple questions I had an outline for my work which really took the pressure off.
As the majoirty of the series was published around five to ten years ago some material is a little dated but that doesn’t mean that it’s not still useful. Some of the titles were a great help to me when I was in the middle of assignments for my library science degree as they gave you a place to start and didn’t overwhelm you. I would recommend them to both students and those getting started on a project who want some handy hints. If nothing else they can reassure you that you’re on the right track!
A full list of series titles in the collection can be found here.
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Library Management
Management is a funny thing. We can all name examples of good and bad management practice but isn’t it really common sense?
Maybe or maybe not, but many professionals find that there is little actual preparation for filling a management role. There are training courses to attend but not everyone has the time, money or support to do this. If you find yourself in a similar position then remember that we have plenty of titles on management in the information sector for you to look at. Reading around a subject can be a great way of picking up tips and can force you to challenge your ideas and look at alternative viewpoints. General management texts can offer you a good background but the titles in our collection look at the issues from the viewpoint of the information professional which can offer some valuable insight.
The list below includes just a few of the management titles in our collection. If you have found any particularly useful or found any more then please let us know.
Bibliography of resources on library management
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The RDA Primer
Anyone looking for a well written, concise and interesting introduction to RDA will be delighted to learn that that University Library has recently acquired Amy Hart’s The RDA Primer: A Guide for the Occasional Cataloger. This useful guide provides a brief yet informative overview of the history of RDA and a description of what separates the new code from AACR2. It’s littered with examples, screen shorts and tables which help provide even the most infrequent cataloguer with an understanding of how RDA works.
Unlike other books on the subject, The RDA Primer is written in a fluid and easily digestible language. Hart manages to mix the important and practical information required with an interesting and exciting perspective on RDA and its impact. She even goes so far as to introduce RDA as a ‘Machiavellian Intrigue’ with a revolutionary feel to it.
As the title suggests, The RDA Primer is designed for anyone not wanting to read a more in-depth guide to using RDA (some of which reach 900 pages long!). At a time when FRBR, FRAD and RDA are combined to create an increasingly complex cataloguing code, it is reassuring to find a book which provides busy librarians with the information they need.
For further information on RDA, check out the University Library’s Librarianship Collection for a full range of useful resources.
Making the Most of RFID in Libraries
Guest post by Rachel Walker, Seeley Historical Library, Cambridge.
RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) has been around for decades, but it is only now that it is becoming commonplace in libraries across the UK. Nonetheless there are so many examples of how we encounter it in our everyday lives, from using an Oyster card, to electronic toll payments when travelling by car.
Palmer’s book starts by giving an overview of RFID, including its many applications, and how it can be used in libraries to provide self-service, security and stock control all-in-one. He goes on to discuss the experiences of libraries throughout the world and their struggles and achievements with RFID. After giving these introductions the book outlines how to build a business case for introducing RFID, including considerations to make such as what features will benefit the library, how the changes will affect staff and library design, and how evaluations can be made of its performance. Steps are given for how to actually implement the technology, from evaluating suppliers’ offers and anticipating the risks involved, to the practical elements such as tagging your stock.
This book is simple to understand, and covers topics that could prove enlightening to all librarians considering RFID, or just wanting to know what it is. Whilst it does cover details about the technology behind RFID it is kept brief and relevant. There are even some light-hearted parts, such as how Oyster cards have been used in divorce cases to prove where someone has been. This raises the interesting question of whether we should be concerned by the possible invasion of privacy caused by using RFID in libraries, a particularly hot topic in the USA at the moment. Overall I found this title enjoyable and quick to read (it’s only 154 pages), and it has encouraged me to do more research into certain topics covered for my own interest.
Making the Most of RFID in Libraries / Martin Palmer. Classmark: 9852.c.258.12
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UL Library Science Collection 