This book, first published in 1990, focuses on specific types of training for librarians. Authorities explain pioneering programs in California and Maryland which deal with teaching basic reference tools to beginning librarians and paraprofessionals.

1. Introduction Bill Katz Part 1. An Overview of Continuing Education for the Reference Librarian 2. Current Trends in the Continuing Education and Training of Reference Staff Dottie Hiebing 3. Continuing Education for ARL Librarians in Multi-Faceted Public Service Positions Mary Ellen Collins 4. Educating Reference Librarians: A Basic Course Louise S. Sherby 5. Reference Ready Beyond the M.L.S. Ruth E. Bauner 6. A Fast Track Over Rocky Roads: Continuing Education for Reference Librarians Charlaine Ezell 7. The Reference Librarian's Critical Skill: Critical Thinking and Professional Service Threasa L. Wesley 8. Library User Instruction in the Curriculum: Background and Status Update Charles D. Patterson 9. Connecting to the Electronic Library: A Paradigm Shift in Training Reference Librarians Mary Ellen Larson 10. Continuing Education for Librarians - Training for Online Searching Anne Page Mosby and Glenda Hughes 11. Online Searcher Education and Training: Options and Opportunities Linda Friend Part 2. Education and Training Views 12. The Dynamics of Reference Librarianship Karen Y. Stabler 13. Origins and Attitudes: Training Reference Librarians for a Pluralistic World Phoebe Janes and Ellen Meltzer 14. The Ethics of Reference Service for the Public Librarian Fay Ann Golden 15. Reference Training in California Libraries - Back to Basics Mary Layman and Sharon Vandercook 16. The Role of Multitype Networks in Providing Continuing Education for Reference Workers Sara Laughlin and Karen Nissen 17. Getting to the Core: Training Librarians in Basic Reference Tools Ellen Berkov and Betty Morganstern 18. Self-Directed, Contract Learning for the Reference Librarian Ruth J. Patrick Part 3. Management 19. The Developing Reference Librarian: An Administrative Perspective Helen H. Spalding 20. Continuing Professional Education: A Management Development Approach Rosie L. Albritton 21. Mentor Meets Telemachus: The Role of the Department Head in Orienting and Inducting the Beginning Reference Librarian Tara Lynn Fulton