Page 61 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Information Sources and Services

Notes
Questions:
1. Analyse the case and write down the case facts.
2. Write down the summary of the case.
Source: http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/article/community-reference-making-libraries-
indispensable-new-way
3.8 Summary

Reference librarians play an important role in the daily operations of a library.
A Reference Librarian must be responsive to the needs of users, think critically and be
organized as well as organize or coordinate projects and services for the user.
The Public Library is the local centre of information, making all kinds of knowledge and
information readily available to its users.
Librarians select, develop, organize and maintain library collections and provide advisory
services for users. They are employed in libraries or in a department within a library.
A reference librarian is an individual who helps to track down specific, requested
information. Many of these professionals work for public libraries, schools and universities.
A master’s degree in library science (MLS) is essential for librarian positions in most
public, academic, as well as special libraries, and in few school libraries.
It seems clear that one of the primary functions and goals of libraries and librarians in our
societies is to connect people with information, whether it is in the form of a book,
manuscript, painting or digital document.

The American Library Association’s (ALA) Reference and User Services Association notes
that a research librarian’s job is to assist users in finding information.

Specific duties vary depending on the size and type of library. Olivia Crosby described
librarians as “Information experts in the information age”.

3.9 Keywords

Academic Library: It is a library that is an integral part of a college, university, or other institution
of postsecondary education, administered to meet the information and research needs of its
students, faculty, and staff.
Outreach Librarians: They are charged with providing library and information services for
underrepresented groups, such as people with disabilities, low income neighbourhoods, home
bound adults and seniors, incarcerated and ex-offenders, and homeless and rural communities.

Public Library: These institutions are created through legislation within the jurisdiction they
serve.

Reference Librarians: They help library patrons locate the information that they need. A reference
librarian is an individual who helps to track down specific, requested information.

School Library Media Centre: Libraries which exclusively serve the needs of a public or private
school.

56 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY