Book Review: Training Paraprofessionals for Reference Service: a How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians
Year: 2009
Type: book-review
Abstract: The debate over using paraprofessionals at the reference desk is nothing new.As Morgan points out, it has raged since at least the mid 1960s.It has perhaps become more urgent in recent years since ready-reference statistics have significantly declined and most budgets have either remained stagnant or decreased.More and more libraries are considering using paraprofessionals to help provide reference services.The only way to ensure that patrons will be well served, however, is to properly train those who will help them.This book is an excellent guide on how to do exactly that.With reference experience in university, public, and corporate libraries, Morgan has the expertise to make this book relevant to a variety of different library settings.She defines paraprofessionals as everyone who works in a library and who does not have a Masters of Library Science (MLS) degree.The underlying assumption of this book is that paraprofessionals should not replace professionals in reference services, but should work alongside them in order to provide the best possible service.Training Paraprofessionals is very clearly written and structured.It provides a logical progression through the training cycle.Clear overviews of what each chapter will accomplish are given at each chapter's beginning and support materials are inserted where necessary.The author is very effective at making you think about your own situation and your library's needs, while providing you with ideas and examples of how to address those needs.
Author: H. Rainer Schira
Institution: Brandon University
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1896466628