This book was written, as stated by the author, to specifically cover the competences required by the American Library Association Library Support Staff certification group (ALA LSS). The author has spent over 35 years in the library service in a variety of roles including teaching the LSS courses. Over this time, the author has found that library science textbooks in general were too theoretical for beginning support staff and were aimed at a graduate level. The result is the creation of this immensely practical and useful book for library support staff and also new library science graduates. It covers topics from acquisitions to censorship and although the topics are not covered in depth, there are plenty of checklists, diagrams, pictures and practical examples that can help with everyday library duties.
There are three main sections in the book: materials, customer service and access to information. The first section, the largest, covers acquisitions, classification, special collections, collection development circulation and reference services. The next section explains the role of staff in dealing with the variety of clients that use the library for example young people, older adults, that is customer service. The last section on access to information has an emphasis on US law and constitutional rights in relation to censorship, access to information and the Patriot Act. Nevertheless, this section is useful for Australasian library staff to help think about ethics, intellectual freedom and censorship and offers procedures for some tricky situations. For example, steps for follow when the library is asked to remove a book. Each chapter begins with the competencies being addressed and also key terms. Chapters end with a summary and discussion questions.
Foundations of library services would be a welcome reference guide to new library staff whatever the position – library assistant or librarian. For newly trained staff it provides steps and practical advice for the always varying situations that arise in the library. For librarians, it could provide an overview of other library sections and procedures for staff that they manage. The fact that there is extensive coverage of US law with regards to censorship and rights should not put off Australasian readers. Library service, conceptually, is the same all over the world. It is acquiring and supplying the right information resources to the reader without prejudice or bias. This book provides the practical means to do just this.
National Library of New Zealand
© 2016 Diana Fehsenfeld
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2016.1250325