Ordinary citizens face a frustrating and increasingly complex maze of human service agencies when they seek help for everyday problems, even though one stop information and referral centers have been established to facilitate information seeking in many communities. This book explores the relationship between the information needs of battered women and the information response provided through social networks in six communities of varying size.

The book is based on an award-winning study, in which 543 women described their knowledge of the problem of woman abuse and what kinds of information resources would be helpful to an abused woman. In the second phase of the study, 179 interviews were conducted with service providers identified by these women as likely sources of help. A comparison of the interviews demonstrates that the response of information delivery systems does not adequately meet the needs and expectations of those women who would seek such services. The final chapters of the volume focus on the implications of this study for the design of social service systems.

This expanded text has been rewritten to better serve the verbal and written communication needs of the modern library. Many types of communication are covered including: public speaking and conducting interviews; leading group discussion; public service announcements; and writing memos, letters, and formal reports. This edition features: an expanded section on mastering individual skills; sensitivity to cultural, ethical, and linguistic issues; using voice mail and e-mail; practicing netiquette in chat groups; designing WWW pages; teleconferencing and videoconferencing; using presentation software; and teaching skills to support staff. Practical tips and skills training exercises, examples of common library situations, research facts, and reference to sources for more information round out this practical guide. This work may be of use to library staff, volunteers. information and referral counsellors, and staff trainers.