Know it All, Find it Fast; An A‐Z Source Guide for the Enquiry Desk

Citation

Bray, S. (2005), "Know it All, Find it Fast; An A‐Z Source Guide for the Enquiry Desk", Library Management, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 161-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120510580933

Intended as a first point of reference for general library staff who may be called on to staff the library's Information desk, this book assumes little or no prior knowledge, even of librarianship. For example, the reader is reminded that the local telephone directory can be one of the most useful sources of information, and given basic advice conducting a reference interview. Topics are arranged alphabetically – for example, abbreviations and acronyms, accounts, auditing and bookkeeping, actors and actresses, addresses and postcodes, aircraft and airlines, alphabets and scripts, etc. to the letter W, writers and writing.

Each entry is in a helpful format which begins with some typical reference questions, e.g “What year is it in the Muslim calendar?”, “What Indian classics are available in English?” followed by “Considerations”, for example, under the entry for “Benefits”, the authors' sensible advice begins “Enquiries about benefits can be difficult and distressing. Difficult not because benefit regulations are complex and difficult to understand, although they are, but because you are dealing with a socially, politically and psychologically charged topic.” This is followed by a “Where to Look” section which lists print and electronic sources, then other sources of information such as societies and government agencies. Final advice in the form of “Tips and Pitfalls” follows; for example, under “Benefits” T&P cautions “ Never underestimate the amount of knowledge about state benefits that seemingly unsophisticated enquirers may have. They have probably spent a lot more of their life reading the leaflets, talking to experts and sharing experiences with other seekers than you have!” A brief index at the end of the book lists extra topics covered within the A‐Z articles.

“Know it all, Find it fast” provides sound advice based on reputable sources that will be familiar to librarians. The book would be of value to recently qualified library workers or those without library qualifications learning information desk work. The book's major limitation, however, is its British focus; a considerable number of entries, for example, those on local government, copyright, housing and buying a house are of no use in Australia. An Australian version of this work in similar format would be a find!