The basics of library-based user services

• Main Author: Whittaker, Kenneth (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: London Library Association 1993
• Subjects: Libraries and readers > Great Britain
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.
• Physical Description: vii, 133 pages 23 cm
• Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-128) and index
• ISBN: 9781856040754

This book puts the user at the centre of library activities. The nature of the service process is examined, and the differences between library-based services and other types of information/document supply services is explained. Each aspect of service is examined in chapters on stock, service development, users and user-centred service, types of service, the service chain, staff, types of libraries and the non-library based information service scene. The arguments are rehearsed for and against charging for services and there is a chapter on service evaluation. The problem of setting priorities is considered and the author ends with a look at the future of the library-based service. The text gives a straightforward account of user services, for students of librarianship and for user service staff in all kinds of libraries and information centres. It establishes a framework for the subject whaih should assist in thinking about policies directed towards client groups and in making decisions about the appropriate level of service.