Sandra Hirsh - Information Services Today: An Introduction

With the COVID-19 global pandemic in full force, this was a particularly challenging time to write this textbook. Information professionals were busy dealing with the rapidly changing situations in their workplaces, as well as their personal lives. Despite the turbulent times that we were experiencing, many people graciously accepted my invitation to be part of this project. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I acknowledge the many individuals who assisted in the writing of this book. This was a collaborative effort, and I could never have completed a book project of this size and complexity without the help and support of the following people.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the tremendous work that my colleague Elaine Hall, San Jos State University (SJSU) School of Informations Communications Consultant and Project Manager, did on this book. When Rowman & Littlefield asked if I would be interested in working on a third edition of Information Services Today: An Introduction, my first thought was: Is Elaine willing to work on this book project with me again? I could not imagine tackling another edition without her! I was pleased when she not only agreed to work with me on the new edition, but she also even seemed excited about the prospect! I am grateful that she brought her outstanding ideas, organizational skills, professionalism, and attention to detail again to this third edition. Despite her own busy work and family schedule, she worked many weekend and late night hours with me to ensure that we delivered the project on time and with the quality we both strived for. I cannot imagine having a better person to work with me on this project!

I also am grateful to my research assistants at SJSU School of Information who contributed to this project. Kelli Roisman assisted in the early stages of the book project, particularly by helping with the background research for the book proposal, setting up author and project Google sites, and tracking author confirmations and agreements. Carol Ng He assisted with reviewing and editing the first-round chapter drafts. Maya Lomeli assisted with editing the second and final chapter drafts, particularly assuring that chapters adhered to The Chicago Manual of Style. I also would like to thank SJSU School of Information students Dawn Opheim and Jennifer Revering who assisted with creating PowerPoint slides of chapter content to support and enhance the instructional experience.

Thanks also go to Dr. Linda Main, associate director at the SJSU School of Information; not only is she wonderful to work with on school business, but she also provided invaluable help with identifying possible contributors, as well as generally serving as a sounding board for the project since the first edition of the book. I also want to acknowledge the many helpful suggestions and ideas that I received from other SJSU School of Information faculty.

I appreciated working with my publisher Charles Harmon at Rowman & Littlefield. I am grateful that he originally approached me with the idea for this book project and that he was interested in having me update the book for a third edition. Charles is such a pleasure to work with, and I have valued his timely support, publishing expertise, and friendship over the years.

I am also extremely grateful to the many new and returning contributors to this book, especially during these challenging times. I am honored to have worked with so many of the great leaders, scholars, and information professionals in our field today, and I appreciate their willingness to share their expertise, passion, and commitment in writing the third edition of this important foundational text for the library and information science field.

I feel especially lucky to have such a supportive family. First, a huge thank you to my husband Jay for his patience and support while I worked on this book project, particularly as this meant me frequently working late into the night and on weekends. I also want to thank my daughters Hayley and Leah for their continued love and support. Their encouragement helped keep me energized throughout the project.

I am also grateful to my mom Gail Schlachter, who passed away shortly after the publication of the first edition of this book in 2015. My mom was the one who inspired me to enter the exciting field of library and information science. If not for her encouragement and showing me the way, I would never have pursued this rewarding career. Her memory continues to inspire me to this day.

Finally, to all the aspiring information professionals who are embarking on and building their careers with dedication and commitment while supporting innovative, thriving, and resilient organizations and communities, thank you. You are the future of the LIS field and the leaders who will guide our profession.

The following appendixes have been developed by the authors of Information Services Today: An Introduction to extend and further enrich the content of their chapters. They can be found in the Online Supplement available at: https://bit.ly/info_svcs_today_3rd_supp