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xi Preface This new sixth edition of Reference and Information Services reflects the dramatic changes shaped by rapidly developing technologies and increasing volumes of dig- ital content over the past four years. In addition, the editors and authors have made an effort to increase attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to integrate more critical theory throughout the text. In Part I, “Concepts and Processes,” chapters have been revised and updated to reflect new ideas and methods in the provision of reference service in an era of increased accountability and emphasis on critical reflection in professional practice. In Part II, “Informa- tion Sources and Their Use,” discussion of each source type has been updated to encompass a much more extensive list of Web resources, both freely available and licensed. A new introduction to this section provides an overview of the information life cycle and outlines some of the more pressing issues with regard to locating, selecting, and evaluating information sources. A new chapter on news sources confronts the challenges of misinformation and disinformation and offers a thor- ough overview of a range of resources for accessing current and historical news. A single final chapter makes up Part III, exploring how professionals can create the future of reference service. A number of new authors are contributors to this sixth edition, bringing to their chapters their experience as teachers of reference or as practitioners in various types of libraries. Throughout the text, boxes are used to generate thought and discussion. Despite these updates and changes, the sixth edition has the same goal as its predecessors’, to provide students and practitioners with an overview of current reference sources, issues, and services. Melissa A. Wong Laura Saunders