Susan G. Fowler

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.

This book provides a guide for grieving youth and adults as well as extensive descriptive lists of recommended professional literature resources. Grief caused by loss is both a very common human experience and a highly individualized one. For example, children experience a number of losses that are unique to their young age—such as sibling and parent death, adoption, or divorce—and should be given special consideration by professionals and parents helping them in these situations. For gay, lesbian, or cohabiting heterosexual couples that suffer the loss of a partner, societal standards often deny the survivors in these relationships the right to grieve. Helping Those Experiencing Loss: A Guide to Grieving Resources is a book like no other, supplying compassionate information for navigating the emotional distress that every man and woman will experience in their lifetime, as well as a comprehensive guide to the literature of bereavement and grieving. It explains the grieving process, interpreting the results of research on the topic in plain language and addressing specific groups: children, young adults, parents who have lost a child, adults who have lost spouses, and the aging population.

The finer points of managing information for organizational success is the focus of this volume that addresses the information service continuum from taming information overload to knowledge management. Based on the premise that people are the most important part of the information solution equation, this book provides a step-by-step explanation of the information lifecycle, as well as well as how to manage information at each step and examples of information services. This model is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of any size organization and provide for its future growth. To this end, Fowler shows that organizations with customized infrastructures are in a better position to respond quickly, and provides the necessary tools to ensure these customized systems. Readers will learn that this level of efficiency pays off in benefits many times its cost.