Where have all the government documents librarians gone? Moving beyond collections to information literacy

Abstract

Purpose

Effectively accessing government documents is often a challenge for frontline reference staff working in a merged public service environment. The purpose of this paper is to build a case for establishing sustainable information literacy that incorporates government publications information into research and reference services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the reasons for, and challenges of, incorporating government documents training for reference staff, and suggests suitable strategies and techniques.

Findings

Keeping up with knowledge in related fields other than a chosen specialty is a challenge facing librarians today, but knowing how to find print and online government resources is critical for reference desk staff to help meet the information needs of the public. A variety of techniques and strategies may be employed to help mine these important resources. Web 2.0 tools and internet‐based tutorials on government publications may be used to facilitate training.

Practical implications

Staff are encouraged to develop collaborative training relationships to motivate, teach, facilitate, and equip others for self‐sufficiency and competency.

Originality/value

The paper shows how reference staff knowledge of government publications can be enhanced through training with both traditional and new technologies. Training can be accomplished through self‐motivation and partnering and need not be always formal.

Citation

Mack, T. and Prescod, J. (2009), "Where have all the government documents librarians gone? Moving beyond collections to information literacy", Reference Services Review, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 99-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320910935020