This book explains the rapidly changing, complex flow of information in the context of 21st-century culture, policy, technology, and economics-an essential resource for librarians and information specialists in all types of settings. The role of information professionals today is to interact creatively with clientele: to help them navigate the information infrastructure. Shattering the concept of the library as a place, Evolving Global Information Infrastructure and Information Transfer describes "the library" as transformed to a dynamic virtual presence in the information infrastructure, where people are the most important resources in a digital library or information center-not the collections. Instead of focusing on specific technologies, which are always changing, this book examines the "big picture" of how information is created, recorded, mass produced, distributed, and utilized in society. This unique approach enables readers to better understand how they fit into this changing world, to envision their place in the digital age, and to assume a leadership role that ensures the success of their clients as well as themselves. This standout work is ideally suited for all types of librarians, educators, information workers, members of the research community, and policymakers in public and private sector organizations. Presents a "big picture" understanding of the information infrastructure in our complex, rapidly changing world Trace changes over time in the people, organizations, policies, processes, and technologies that comprise the information infrastructure Explores future trends in the information infrastructure and examines the implications for library and information professionals and for their education

This comprehensive book prepares readers for a changing profession in the library and information field, presenting a holistic approach that examines theories and models and utilizes creative problem-solving strategies. In this rapidly changing, knowledge-based society, library and information professionals require a broad understanding of the profession. Introduction to the Library and Information Professions, Second Edition presents a toolbox of models that enable this essential understanding for undergraduate and graduate students in library and information science programs as well as practicing professionals seeking continuing education. The materials in this second edition reflect the latest trends in the library and information profession, including services and issues that stem from new advances in technology. The authors present "big picture" information that will allow readers to better plan and implement client-entered services, discussing topics such as the life cycle of information, the role of library and information professionals as change agents, models of information transfer, the national information infrastructure, and important trends and developments. The contents provide readers with clear guidance and a carefully explained rationale for lifelong careers as information professionals. Provides a current, detailed, and creative introduction to the library and information profession for students in LIS programs as well as practicing professionals seeking continuing education Presents a framework for thinking about the library and information profession through thoughtful models and theories, which place it in the context of general service professions in society Builds upon the works of such professional luminaries as Pierce Butler, Verner Clapp, Ralph Shaw, and Jesse Shera to create expanded theories and updated models

Based on a tested model for community analysis, this book offers a guide to the management of client-centered transformative information services that can be applied in any type of library or information agency. Knowing a community enables library and information professionals to prioritize the community's information needs and design appropriate services for them. Assessing Information Needs: Managing Transformative Library Services was written to provide the rationale for community analysis, a model for gathering community data, and a process for analyzing data and applying it to the management of an information agency. The book explains why information professionals should customize services, as well as the "how to" of collecting data. A model for gathering community information is described, applied, and demonstrated through a case study. The book then shows how such information is interpreted and used to plan information services that are transformative for individuals and groups in the case-study community, providing lessons that readers can use with their own institutions. Rooted in a philosophy of customer service, the method presented here is perfect for public, school, academic, and special libraries or other types of information agencies. A case study of a community analysis for a county library system, illustrating how the model can be applied 13 tables presenting information collected from the case study Several graphic models, presented and described References at the end of each chapter A bibliography at the end of the book