Information Services Today: An Introduction

Editor Hirsh (assoc. dean, San José State Univ.; Blockchain) has compiled an extensive set of essays on information services in the third edition of this textbook. The intended audience is library school students, although early career librarians may also benefit from discussions on professional skills and career planning. The textbook categorizes the large field of information services into seven sections. Topics encompass user needs, types of resources, services, management, and major issues. Each chapter is written by an expert on the topic and includes an introduction by the editor, expected learning outcomes, and a discussion of the material. Most chapters provide definitions of relevant concepts, an introduction to major components, an analysis of opportunities and challenges, as well as an exploration of career skills needed for success. Additionally, several chapters are devoted to introducing information services in the context of environments in which the reader may work, which showcases the variety of information careers. The volume includes an online supplement, which contains additional information.