Know it All, Find it Fast: An A‐Z Source Guide for the Enquiry Desk (3rd ed., completely updated)

Citation

Torcasio, J. (2009), "Know it All, Find it Fast: An A‐Z Source Guide for the Enquiry Desk (3rd ed., completely updated)", Library Management, Vol. 30 No. 6/7, pp. 502-503. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910982230

“Know it all, find it fast” is a key reference work for UK‐based library staff who need to speedily find information on a particular subject. Following a “General sources” section, it is arranged alphabetically by topic, with subject areas being those most often handled at enquiry desks. Each entry lists information sources – printed, electronic, Web sites and useful contacts. This third edition has been thoroughly revised and significantly expanded to include new websites, publishers and information producers. In an environment increasingly dependant on computers and communications technology, this book will ease the increasing pressure on frontline library reference staff dealing with the general public. It includes subscription websites and CD‐ROMs and some new headings.

The first “General sources” section begins with some “Typical questions” and “Considerations” as with each of the A‐Z topics. This first section offers such invaluable advice as: “keep things simple and go for the obvious”. Sections include “Guides to reference sources”, “Electronic sources”, “The internet”, “Web search services (search engines)”, “Metasearch services”, “Aggregators”, “Telephone directories” and “Tips and pitfalls” which has gems such as “get really familiar with a few good sources”.

An index at the end of the book lists additional topics found within the A‐Z articles. It rounds off a practical book, which is a guide not only to knowledge but to reference staff behaviour. It is a reminder to appreciate the knowledge that many apparently unsophisticated enquirers have, to check dates of sources, and to use the collective knowledge of colleagues and clients. It offers ways of dealing with quiz addicts, open‐ended searches which can be time‐stealers, and clients who expect unlimited attention from reference staff.

Recently qualified library staff and those without library qualifications and/or the experience of information deskwork will benefit from this book. A major limitation is the British focus and legal and government information will be somewhat irrelevant to Australian librarians. Find me an Australian version!