In the book's lengthy preface, the authors cite the “ferocious pace of change” (p. xi) that has forced them to update the previous edition, which was released in May 2011. While it is aimed at “eternally maturing reference librarians,” it is also “organized to complement the syllabus of a typical library and information studies course.” This book is not to be confused with another book that has the same title but different editors 1.