This new book examines the topics and issues important to information professionals and librarians-in-training who serve clientele using social science materials. Social Science Reference Services addresses reference services across the spectrum of the social sciences and embraces a multidisciplinary approach to providing both materials and services to users. Chapters illuminate the variety of information formats available through a bewildering array of delivery mechanisms from an astounding number of sources.

Social Science Reference Services discusses areas not adequately covered in previous publications, including data files, federal economic statistics, and reference literature on the European Community. Contributing authors address dissertation development, improving the handling of business reference queries, user education/bibliographic instruction, data files for social research, strategies for locating information on environmental public policy, and using economic statistics from the federal government. Additionally, chapters focus on:

• the importance of government-produced information to social science research
• providing quality reference services to the many constituencies within an academic community
• supplementing academic classroom experience with library programs that enhance the information-seeking skills of students
• the importance of data sets to social science research and incorporating their use into providing quality information services
  
  Social Science Reference Services also explores some of the challenges of the automated environment, including the impact of technology on the availability and accessibility of information.
  
  This book is an ideal guide for information professionals and students of library science who need efficient access to information in the social science field in order to help patrons effectively.