How to Give Your Users the LIS Service They Want

Citation

Freeman, M. (2011), "How to Give Your Users the LIS Service They Want", New Library World, Vol. 112 No. 5/6, pp. 284-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801111147589

Two well‐known and experienced practitioners write authoritatively on “the users” of library services – who they are and how to analyse and use the data gained. As the authors state “without users there is no real reason for a library or information service to exist”, therefore understanding user demography and user behaviour is critical. ICT and the digital world (including e‐books) pose many challenges for librarians and this well written lucid book helps the reader to understand and cope with many of these challenges.

User behaviour and expectations are very important. How exactly do users access information? What sort of information do they need? Can you predict their information requirements? The book contains a useful chapter on user behaviour in the past and how to use that information, and there is a good chapter on knowing your users. Other areas covered deal with tracking the future and future developments.

To conclude, a useful and clearly written book from the reputable stable of Facet Publishing, well produced and containing a good index and useful reading lists and further information for readers.