Randall C. Jimerson. Archives Power: Memory, Accountability, and Social Justice. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2009. 466p. alk. paper, $56 (ISBN 193166630X). LC2009-025519

through the sifting sands of reference. " Divided into four sections, the authors cover fundamental concepts for reference and information services, an introduction to major reference sources, special topics, and developing and managing reference collections and services. In the first section, " Fundamental Concepts, " chapter 1 introduces readers to the history of reference services and typical activities involved such as readers' advisories, information literacy, promotion and marketing, and staff and service evaluation. Chapter 2 focuses on the reference interview, including steps to take in conducting reference interviews as well as things to avoid. The section concludes with chapter 3 on basic search techniques and common pitfalls to avoid. Part 2, " Introduction to Major Reference Sources, " offers readers an overview of the primary resources consulted when answering " how, what, where, who, and when questions. " The authors discuss using bibliographic resources, encyclopedias, dictionaries, indexes and full-text databases , government resources, biographical resources, and more. In addition, there is a separate chapter on " Answering Questions about Health, Law, and Business. " Each chapter opens with an overview of the resources and the ways librarians can use them. All have a list of the top ten sources in the topic area as well as a list of some recommended free Web sites on the topic. Each chapter also includes a list of the recommended resources discussed in the text. The next section deals with Special Topics in Reference and Information Work, which include using the Internet as a reference tool, Reader's Advisory work, working with children and young adults, and information literacy. In the chapter on using the Internet, the authors include five steps to successful Internet reference and a chart of some general search engines, metasearch engines, and subject directories to use. The chapter on Reader's Advisory looks at some common Reader's Advisory questions and lists the top ten Reader's Advisory tools. The work concludes with part 4, " Developing and Managing Reference Collections and Services. " The chapters in this section discuss sources for review and evaluation of reference works, how to manage staff and services, assessment of reference services, Reference 2.0, and the future of information service. The chapter on the future looks at new service models and competencies needed for 21st-century librarians. Cassell and Hiremath end each chapter with recommendations for further reading and a bibliography of works cited. Included in the Appendix is …