Mastering United States Government Information: Sources and Services

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This up-to-date guide provides informational professionals and their clients with much-needed assistance in navigating the immense field of government information. When information professionals are asked questions involving government information, they often experience that "deer in the headlights" feeling. Mastering United States Government Information helps them overcome any trepidation about finding and using government documents. Written by Christopher C. Brown, coordinator of government documents at the University of Denver, this approachable book provides an introduction to all major areas of U.S. government information. It references resources in all formats, including print and online. Examples are provided so users will feel comfortable solving government information questions on their own, while exercises at the end of chapters enable users to practice answering questions for themselves. Additionally, several appendixes serve as quick reference sources for such topics as congressional sessions, the most popular government publications, federal statistical databases, and citation of government publications. It serves as a practical and current guide for practitioners as well as a text or supplementary reading for students of library information studies and for in-service trainings.

Reviews

Well-written and extremely thorough, this guide will be indispensable to any public or academic library. * Booklist *
Brown's discussion of both print and digital government documents has paid off in an invaluable reference for all readersprofessionals, academic, public and secondary school students. * Library Journal *
Mastering United States Government Information is filled with practical, clear, concise information about government resources. The book is well-written and readable and provides sensible advice about finding and using government information. While written for government document librarians, it is a great resource for any librarian who has occasion to work with government information. I highly recommend it for all public and academic librarians. * Alabama Library Association Government Documents Roundtable *
Whether new to govdocs or a veteran, all reference and govdocs librarians should put this solid, functional handbook on their professional shelf. * Online Searcher *
Rather than overwhelm readers, [Brown's] book will empower them to make use of the wealth of information produced by the federal government. * Technical Services Quarterly *

Author Bio

Christopher C. Brown is reference librarian and coordinator of government documents at the University of Denver, Main Library. Brown has taught as an adjunct professor in the University of Denver Library School for 20 years, and many students have taken his government publications course.