New ACRL publication: The Desk and Beyond

Kathryn Deiss
ACRL Content Strategist
312-280-2529
kdeiss@ala.org

NEWS
For Immediate Release
August 12, 2008

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is releasing a new publication, “The Desk and Beyond: Next Generation Reference Services.” Edited by Sarah Steiner and M. Leslie Madden of Georgia State University,“The Desk and Beyond” provides a thorough exploration of the present and possible future applications of 11 of the most promising new reference delivery methods.

Librarians are already attempting to "go where the users are," so what are the next steps in reaching them and providing reference assistance? Over the years, academic librarians have continued to explore new and innovative service methods - some small-scale, others sweeping. Some of these changes have gained widespread acceptance, while others were tested and abandoned.

In order to reflect the growing role of the digital environment while still respecting the importance of in-person interaction, many libraries strive to maintain a balance of physical and virtual methods for assisting users. This forward-looking collection is intended to provide inspiration for potential new digital and physical reference services at academic libraries. Each chapter provides an introduction to an innovative service concept and an annotated list of sources for additional research.

“The Desk and Beyond” is available for purchasethrough the ALA Online Store (http://www.alastore.ala.org) and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers.

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ACRL is a division of the American Library Association, representing 13,500 academic and research librarians and interested individuals. ACRL is the only individual membership organization in North America that develops programs, products and services to meet the unique needs of academic and research librarians. Its initiatives enable the higher education community to understand the role that academic libraries play in the teaching, learning and research environments.