Information needs analysis

For Immediate Release
Tue, 02/10/2015

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

ALA Publishing

American Library Association

312-280-5052

rchristopher@ala.org

CHICAGO—Analyzing and assessing the information needs of library users is key to the provision of effective service and appropriate collections in both face-to-face and virtual library services. The importance of information needs analysis is widely recognized by information professionals, but currently there is little substantive, detailed work in the professional literature devoted to this important topic. “Information Needs Analysis: Principles and Practice in Information Organizations,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, fills that gap by supporting practitioners in developing an information needs analysis strategy, and offering the necessary professional skills and techniques to do so. Daniel G. Dorner, G. E. Gorman and Phillip J. Calvert offer guidance to team leaders and senior managers in all areas of library work, especially those involved in collection management, service provision and Web development. Equally applicable to the needs of academic, public, government, commercial and other more specialized library and information services, the text adopts a hands-on, jargon-free approach, and includes relevant examples, case studies, reader activities and sources of further reading. Key areas covered include:

  • What is information needs analysis?
  • How is needs analysis conducted?
  • What are the varieties of needs analysis?
  • How are analyses evaluated and reported?

Dorner is senior lecturer, Gorman is professor of library and information management, and Calvert is senior lecturer at the School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.