Core Reference Fundamentals

In this course, you will:

• Become familiar with various communication and other reference service methods for working with people from cultures other than your own, people with disabilities, seniors, and children.
• Learn to evaluate the resources you use for accuracy, timeliness, and utility.
• Learn how to apply the code of professional library ethics in your work.
• Learn how libraries arrange materials to make them easier to locate, how to translate that organization into how you conduct remote reference guidance, and how most library catalogs can support your reference service delivery.
• Learn ways to overcome obstacles in reference service delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Learn about indexes and how they can be helpful in locating otherwise-hidden information, as well as how a basic understanding of indexing can help you solve search problems you may encounter while doing online reference work.

There will also be time devoted to the effective and efficient use of such general reference works as encyclopedias and directories, as well as how to use the web as an effective ready reference tool.

Course Description: This six-module online course provides an overview of the basic tools and guidelines of reference work. Through readings, assignments, and discussions you will become familiar with techniques for eliciting library users' information needs.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: The Reference Interview
• Week 2: Equitable Treatment and Access for All
• Week 3: Locating It in the Library
• Week 4: Indexes and Indexing: Understanding Print and Online Resources
• Week 5: Evaluating Your Information: Which Information Is the Best?
• Week 6: Government Resources, Niche Information Needs, and Nontraditional Resources

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 3 hours per week, for a total of 18 course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments, discussions, or online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Any library staff or supporters who are relatively new to working in and for libraries. This course is particularly valuable for library support staff who want to gain a foundational understanding of public libraries.

Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC): This course is approved as covering the Reference and Information Services competencies for the LSSC program.

Do you work in a rural or tribal library? If so, you may be eligible for a course fee waiver for this course. This Infopeople course has up to five no-cost seats allocated for rural or tribal libraries. Fill out a fee waiver request, and if a no-cost seat is available you will be notified via email.

Keywords: reference