Foundations of Library Services

Trained library support staff play a critical role in assisting the user in locating and interpreting the resources available in libraries. To do so requires the knowledge and practice of library missions and roles in different types of libraries and the delivery of that information to an increasingly diverse clientele. The plethora of resources available today requires that support staff understand and implement the basic principles of information services as well as the responsibility and relationships among library departments and functional areas.

Foundations of Library Services is both a text for professors who teach in library support staff programs and an introductory reference manual for support staff who work in libraries. As part of the Library Support Staff Series, this updated edition will guide the LSS to be able to:
Understand the mission and role of the library in its communityBe familiar with the ethics and values of the profession, including those of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records and privacy issuesKnow the responsibility and relationships among library departmentsPractice the basic principles of circulation, including interlibrary loan; current cataloging and classification systems; and acquisitions and collection development policies.Understand how libraries are governed and funded within their organizations or government structuresRealize the value of cooperation to enhance servicesPractice quality customer serviceCommunicate and promote the library’s values and servicesRecognize and respond to diversity in user needs

Hali Keeler, MLS, MA, is the author of the books Foundations of Library Public Services: An Introduction for Support Staff, Rowman & Littlefield 2015; Working with Collections: An Introduction for Support Staff, Rowman & Littlefield 2017; Communication and Teamwork: An Introduction for Support Staff (with Marie Shaw) Rowman & Littlefield 2018; Supervision and Management: An Introduction for Support Staff (with Marie Shaw), Rowman & Littlefield 2018; Library Technician Training programs: Library Mosaics Magazine January/February 2005, and Ghosts of Groton Bank, History Press, 2016.



She is the former Coordinator for the Library Technology Certificate Program at Three Rivers Community College (2003-2011) and has been an Adjunct Professor since 1998. She teaches courses in Public Services, Technical Services, and Management Strategies. In addition to library instruction, Ms. Keeler worked as a Children’s Librarian and is the retired Executive Director of a public library. She has been a speaker and presenter at library conferences and workshops and has served in leadership roles on library boards and committees at the state and local levels.