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.

 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.