Reference course offerings scheduled for February, March

Core Reference Skills
February 24 - 25, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. CST
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• Information seekers interact daily with library staff to meet their information needs. Do you have what it takes to be an effective reference provider? This course helps reference staff identify necessary skill sets needed for any reference interaction, whether it is face-to-face, virtual or on the telephone. Additionally, you will learn to recognize common barriers to productive reference interactions, develop techniques to overcome them and discover how to locate basic reference sources.

Reference Sources
Early Bird Registration Ends February 24!
March 17 - 18, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. CDT
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• Knowledge of reference sources is central to providing your users with the answers they seek. This course will familiarize both librarians and paraprofessionals with a range of print and online resources from dictionaries and encyclopedias, to handbooks, serials and databases. Come learn which sources work for you and how to best use them.

Virtual Reference Communication
Early Bird Registration Ends March 15!
April 6 & 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
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• The reference interview marks the essence of a reference transaction regardless of where it occurs: online, face-to-face, or over the telephone. This course centers on understanding the barriers inherent in virtual communication, and discovery of tips and techniques that enhance online communication in the absence of verbal and visual cues. Is online or "virtual" reference communication different from traditional reference? Come explore the differences and discover how to become a better online communicator by engaging in hands-on virtual reference communication exercises.