Reference and Information Services
This course will be presented in four modules:
- Core reference skills
- Reference policies
- Reference resources
- Technology tools for the reference desk
Learning Objectives:
Through in-class and homework discussions and activities, by the end of the course students will:
Demonstrate knowledge by:
- Examining the general scope of the library’s collections, including areas of strength and specialized collection.
- Examining legal issues involved in reference services, including user privacy, confidentiality, and copyright.
- Identifying basic reference, information, and community resources.
- Explaining classification and organization schemes for collection.
- Explaining basic search methods, display options, and terminology of the library’s catalog, website, and other information access tools.
Demonstrate skills by:
- Conducting effective reference interviews, helping users define their information needs.
- Judging when referrals are necessary and use appropriate referral procedures.
- Instructing users in basic research procedures, including use of the library’s catalog, general database, and web searching, and locating materials in the library.
- Using basic searching skills to find information in print, non-print, and digital resources.
- Using locally developed tools such as subject guides, FAQs, and other resources that provide guidance to answer information requests.
- Helping users select the most appropriate information resource to meet their needs, and evaluate the quality, currency, and authority of information retrieved.
- Identifying and locate information in all formats, and assist users in retrieving materials, including those not held locally.
- Interpreting bibliographic record and citation formats.
Target Audience:
New paraprofessional staff working in libraries, or anyone needing a refresher.
Prerequisites:
Comfortable using the internet and social media tools.
Homework Expectations and Completion Requirements:
The course will be a combination of lectures, reading, field-observation, written assignments, exercises, and presentations. Students will be expected to complete at least one assignment or project related to each objective and participate in discussions and group exercises.
Information in each module will be presented in a variety of formats, including PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, YouTube video, and web pages. Students are expected to devote one to two hours each week outside of class time to complete activities and assignments.
Lectures, discussions and individual reports along with personal observation and class interactions will be used throughout the course. Topics covered will include: reference policy, reference interview, confidentiality, privacy, weeding, resource selection, resource evaluation, ethics, bibliographic instruction, user systems, interface navigation, information tools, user instruction, design and processes of databases.
It is designed for individual participation; each individual must register.
This course meets the requirements for American Library Association Library Support Staff Certification [ALA-LSSC] for the Reference and Information Services elective.
Technical Requirements:
Live Online System Requirements
Session Duration:
This course consists of four 2-hour sessions.
Instructor: Arta Kabashi - kabashi@amigos.org
Continuing Education Credit:
Contact Hours: 8
IACET CEUs: 0.8
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
United States
| Non-member | $445.00 |
| Amigos Member | $305.00 |
| Amigos Member Learning Passport Holder - 8 Learning Passport Hours | $0.00 |
| Amigos Member Learning Passport Holder - 10% Discount | $274.50 |
| Amigos Member Learning Passport Holder - 15% Discount | $259.25 |
