Using Digital Information Services in the Library Workplace

Book excerpt: Library collections have rapidly evolved from a predominance of print books and journals to an ever growing mix of digital and print resources. Support staff are expected to know how to help patrons select and use digital information services such as databases, digital collections, digital archives, ebooks, steaming video, discovery search products, the Internet and user-focused library interfaces and applications. Yet most library support staff (LSS) has not had training to become proficient in finding, using, and instructing others in the wide range of digital library services. Using Digital Information Services in the Library Workplace: An Introduction for Support Staff is an up-to-date text for professors who teach digital information use and management in library support staff programs and a handbook for those working in libraries who want to keep current as they expand their knowledge and skills. This book will help support staff members to: Know and use terms and concepts used in digital information services. Use digital information services effectively Know how to evaluate and select databases and services Understand issues and trends in the library digital information industry Distinguish key features and enhancements found among vendors and providers of digital libraries, digital collections, databases, and e-texts; Plan, budget, and write grants for digital services; Understand the complexity and options of licensing and usage agreements for digital information services; Know copyright permissions and acceptable use guidelines for digital information services. Use government databases and other digitized systems and information sources; Locate digital collections of museums, universities, and other sources that librarians can share with patrons. Understand the concepts of preservation using digital technologies. Create local digital resources of primary and historical materials and artifacts with metadata and cataloging for searchable access. The Library Support Staff series is aimed for staff that work in libraries and want to enhance their skills, college professors who teach library support staff instruction, and/or students who seek academic credit. Each book in the series addresses a specific topic in an academic curriculum for library support staff. Content of each book in the series is aligned with American Library Association competencies for accredited programs and learning for library support staff (ALA-LSSC). The text is written in clear language with practical examples of how performance can contribute to exemplary library service.