LIIS 250 Reference Resources and Services*

This course is an introduction to the reference process, effective and efficient search strategies, ethical considerations, library instruction, and methods of evaluating reference services. Students will learn about major trends – emphasizing the changing nature of reference services.

Credits

3 Credits

LIIS 250Reference Resources and Services*

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Library & Information Science

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

3 Credits

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is an introduction to the reference process, effective and efficient search strategies, ethical considerations, library instruction, and methods of evaluating reference services. Students will learn about major trends – emphasizing the changing nature of reference services.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Write a plan for reference services for a given type of library
• Interpret the information needs of a patron with a question in person, by telephone, email, and online chat
• Evaluate the quality of reference resources
• Select appropriate information resources for a given type of library

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

Definition of Reference / Basic Resources Reference Interview: Setting the Stage / Evaluation of Reference Sources Email Reference / Search Engines / RIP #2 The "Real" Question / Dictionary Comparison / RIP #3 Negotiating the Question / Encyclopedia Comparison / RIP #4 Beyond Negative Closure / Online Periodical Index Comparison / RIP #5 Closure / RIP #6 Reference Policy Planning / Almanac Comparison Reference Ethics / RIP #7 Special Contexts (Age, Ethnicity, etc.) / RIP #8 Special Contexts, cont. / RIP #9 Virtual Reference / Resource Sharing / RIP #10 Future Trends & Staying Informed

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Weekly textbook readings and exercises Students pair up for 10 reference interview practice sessions by phone, email, and chat Weekly discussion board topics

Required Exams

Self-evaluation of the reference interview practices on the Discussion Board Midterm exam Final Exam

Required Text

Conducting the Reference Interview, 2nd ed. Catherine Sheldrick Ross, Kirsti Nilsen, and Marie L. Radford. Neal-Schuman, 2009. ISBN 9781555706555

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Weekly textbook readings and exercises Students pair up for 10 reference interview practice sessions by phone, email, and chat Weekly discussion board topics Self-evaluation of the reference interview practices on the Discussion Board Midterm exam Final Exam