A reference policy is the foundation upon which reference services are built upon. Learn how to create effective reference policies for in-person and online reference services. Also learn to write guidelines that will provide you, your colleagues, and patrons with the understanding of how reference services fit with the overall vision and mission of your library.

Whether public, academic, school or special, every manager of a library reference department is well aware that a dominant force driving the libraries of today is change. This course focuses on the changing needs of reference management and will provide attendees with the tools to put together an information audit for your reference department or library, provide a blueprint for departmental strategic planning, and offer examples of methods to assess the effectiveness of your reference department's services.

Library staff leverage customer service skills to address a range of information needs. This review of retail customer service skills and techniques will support any interaction with a patron, whether in-person, on the phone, or virtually. Identify barriers to effectively communicating with patrons and develop a strategy for staff to practice their customer service skills.

A workshop developed to strengthen librarians' interpersonal communication skills with faculty, staff, and patrons in informal settings like receptions or impromptu meetings. Topics discussed include self-introductions, making small talk, preparing to pitch the library’s services, and entering and exiting small group conversations at events.