Reference and Information Services

This course will be presented in four units:

• Core reference skills
• Knowing your library’s collection and research skills
• Reference resources
• Legal and ethical issues in reference services

This class is approved for the ALA Library Support Staff Certification Program.

Learning Objectives:

Through in-class and homework discussions and activities, by the end of the course students will demonstrate knowledge by:

1. Examining the general scope of the library’s print, non-print, and digital collections, including areas of strength and specialized collections.
2. Understanding legal issues involved in reference services, including user privacy, confidentiality, and copyright.
3. Identifying basic reference, information, and community resources in print, non-print, and digital formats to conduct and support basic research/reference inquiries.
4. Explaining classification and organization schemes for collection.
5. Explaining basic search methods, display options, and terminology of the library's catalog, website, and other information access tools.

Demonstrate skills by:

1. Conducting effective reference interviews, helping users define their information needs and determine when referrals are necessary.
2. Instructing and assisting users in basic research procedures, including digital literacy skills.
3. Helping users select the most appropriate information resource to meet their needs, and evaluate the quality, currency, and authority of information retrieved.
4. Identifying and locate information in all formats, and assist users in retrieving materials from local and non-local sources.

Target Audience:
Librarians and paraprofessionals new to reference and information services or who would like to refresh their skills. This class is approved for the ALA Library Support Staff Certification Program.

Prerequisites:
None

Homework Expectations and Completion Requirements: The course will be a combination of lectures, reading, written assignments, exercises, and presentations. Students will be expected to complete at least one assignment or project related to each objective and participate in in-class discussions and exercises.

• This course requires individual participation and homework assignments.
• It is designed for individual participation; each individual must register.

Technical Requirements:
Visit BigBlueButton's detailed minium requirements page.

Session Duration:
This course consists of four 2-hour sessions.

Instructor:  Jodie Borgerding - borgerding@amigos.org

Continuing Education Credit:
Contact Hours: 8