The library has been created by actual necessities in modern civilization. It is now a necessary unit in the social fabric. Culture must transcend the individual for it is essentially a social cumulation of experience whereby the men of each generation possess potentially at least, all that their predecessors have ever learned. Books are one social mechanism for preserving the racial memory and the library one social apparatus for transferring this to the consciousness of living individuals. Any understanding of society must include an explanation of this social element and of its function in communal life. Thus librarianship takes its place among the phenomena to be discussed in any system of social science.

The functions of Library today have assumed multi-fold dimensions and this book highlights the different aspects of Library Science. The book will be a useful reference work for all aspiring librarians. Topics include: Significance of the Library; Evolution and Development ; Philosophical Foundation; Cultivation of Library Culture; Developmental Programmes; Significance for Community; Academic Significance; Rules and Regulations; Mutual Co-operation; Moral Aspects; Library Staff; University Libraries; College Libraries; School Libraries; Specialised Libraries; Libraries for Specific Purpose; National Library; Foreign Libraries and Treasure of Knowledge.

This work focuses on the materials and activities and their interrelationships that are necessary for both professional and support staff in all types of libraries in providing library public service. Chapters are arranged by type of service, for example, reference service (both traditional and automated), bibliographic instruction, interlibrary loan, circulation, reserve services, special collections, serials, media services, government documents, and security issues. Within each chapter, the authors consider the philosophy and role of the particular service, variations in service and format, physical facility (and storage) implications of the service, staffing patterns and administrative concerns, and legal and ethical issues.

Get the foundational knowledge about health sciences librarianship. The general term “health sciences libraries” covers a wide range of areas beyond medical libraries, such as biomedical, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, and others. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship provides a sound foundation to all aspects of these types of libraries to students and librarians new to the field. This helpful guide provides a helpful overview of the health care environment, technical services, public services, management issues, academic health sciences, hospital libraries, health informatics, evidence-based practice, and more. This text provides crucial information every beginning and practicing health sciences librarian needs—all in one volume. Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship presents some of the most respected librarians and educators in the field, each discussing important aspects of librarianship, including technical services, public services, administration, special services, and special collections. This comprehensive volume provides all types of librarians with helpful general, practical, and theoretical knowledge about this profession. The book’s unique "A Day in the Life of . . . " feature describes typical days of health sciences librarians working in special areas such as reference or consumer health, and offers anyone new to the field a revealing look at what a regular workday is like. The text is packed with useful figures, screen captures, tables, and references. Topics discussed in Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship include: overview of health sciences libraries health environment collection development of journals, books, and electronic resources organization of health information access services information services and information retrieval information literacy health informatics management of academic health sciences libraries management and issues in hospital libraries library space planning specialized services Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship provides essential information for health sciences librarians, medical librarians, beginning and intermediate level health sciences/medical librarians, and any health sciences librarian wishing to review the field. This crucial volume belongs in every academic health sciences library, hospital library, specialized health library, biomedical library, and academic library.