Pathfinders to Information

Pathfinders to InformationPathfinders to InformationAdministering Administering school library school library

reference servicesreference services

LIB 640 Information Sources and ServicesSummer 2008

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What is reference service?What is reference service?• reference services

– All the functions performed by a trained All the functions performed by a trained librarian employed in the reference section of a employed in the reference section of a library to meet to meet the the information needs of s of patrons (in person, by s (in person, by telephone, or electronically), including but not limited telephone, or electronically), including but not limited to answering substantive to answering substantive questions, instructing users in s, instructing users in the selection and use of appropriate the selection and use of appropriate tools and s and techniques for finding techniques for finding information, conducting , conducting searches on behalf of the patron, directing users to the es on behalf of the patron, directing users to the location of library resources, assisting in the evaluation location of library resources, assisting in the evaluation of information, of information, referring patrons to resources outside patrons to resources outside the library when appropriate, keeping the library when appropriate, keeping reference statistics, and participating in the , and participating in the development of the of the reference collection. . . . . . . . See alsoSee also: : collaborative reference, , cooperative reference, , digital reference, , ready reference, and , and Reference and User Services Association. .

• Online Dictionary of Library Sciencehttp://lu.com/odlis/odlis_r.cfm#refservices

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Elements of Reference ServiceElements of Reference Service• From From ODLIS definition::

– performed by a trained performed by a trained librarian

– [Designed] to meet the [Designed] to meet the information needs of s of patronss

– answering substantive answering substantive questions s

– instructing users in the selection and use of appropriate instructing users in the selection and use of appropriate tools and techniques for finding s and techniques for finding information

– conducting conducting searches on behalf of the patron es on behalf of the patron

– directing users to the location of library resources directing users to the location of library resources

– assisting in the evaluation of information assisting in the evaluation of information

– referring patrons to resources outside the library when patrons to resources outside the library when appropriate appropriate

– keeping keeping reference statistics

– participating in the participating in the development of the of the reference collection

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What is a What is a Reference Collection??• ODLIS::

– Books containing s containing authoritative information not meant to be read not meant to be read cover to cover, such as to cover, such as dictionaries, , handbooks, and s, and encyclopedias, s, shelved together by shelved together by call number in a special in a special section of the section of the library called the called the reference stacks. . Reference books may not s may not be be checked out because they are needed by because they are needed by librarians to answer s to answer questions at the s at the reference desk. Their . Their location and and circulation status is usually indicated by the is usually indicated by the symbol "R" or "Ref" preceding the call "R" or "Ref" preceding the call number in the number in the catalog record and on the and on the spine label. . See alsoSee also: : ready reference. .

• http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_r.cfm#refcollection

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Is the Collection the Books Only?Is the Collection the Books Only?

• Managing and Analyzing Your Collection:Managing and Analyzing Your Collection:A Practical Guide for Small Libraries A Practical Guide for Small Libraries and School Media Centers and School Media Centers (ALA, 2002):(ALA, 2002):– To think of your collection only within To think of your collection only within

the physical boundaries of your library the physical boundaries of your library will create a limited view of the will create a limited view of the collection. You need to consider collection. You need to consider availability and accessibility when availability and accessibility when defining your collections.defining your collections.

• Carol A. Doll and Pamela Petrick Barron.Carol A. Doll and Pamela Petrick Barron.

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Accessibility and Availability?Accessibility and Availability?

• Availability:Availability:– ““If a resource is available, that simply means If a resource is available, that simply means

it exists and can be located.”it exists and can be located.”

• Accessibility:Accessibility:– ““For a resource to be accessible, it must be For a resource to be accessible, it must be

physically present.”physically present.”• Doll and Barron, Doll and Barron, Managing and Analyzing Your Managing and Analyzing Your

CollectionCollection

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What about being virtually present?What about being virtually present?

• Accessibility means more than means more than physical physical access:access:– The ease with which a person may enter a The ease with which a person may enter a

library, gain , gain access to its to its online systems, use systems, use its resources, and obtain needed its resources, and obtain needed information regardless of regardless of format. In a more . In a more general sense, the quality of being able to be general sense, the quality of being able to be located and used by a person. In the located and used by a person. In the Web environment, the quality of being usable by environment, the quality of being usable by everyone regardless of disability. See the everyone regardless of disability. See the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). .

– http://lu.com/odlis/index.cfm#accessibility

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Do we still need books?Do we still need books?• A.B.Credaro A.B.Credaro

– In a significant number of schools, there have In a significant number of schools, there have been reductions in library funding, in favour been reductions in library funding, in favour of increasing the number of computers in of increasing the number of computers in libraries. Aging reference books are not being libraries. Aging reference books are not being replaced, due to the flawed rationale that replaced, due to the flawed rationale that Internet access has negated the necessity for Internet access has negated the necessity for such print material. such print material.

– The value of the Internet as a communication The value of the Internet as a communication tool is beyond dispute. However, it can also be tool is beyond dispute. However, it can also be a time-consuming, frustrating, or misleading a time-consuming, frustrating, or misleading reference source. reference source.

• Now that we've got the Internet, why do we need Libraries?

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Collection Development• ODLIS::

– The process of planning and building a useful The process of planning and building a useful and and balanced collection of of library materials over a period of years, based on an ongoing over a period of years, based on an ongoing assessment of the of the information needs of the s of the library's 's clientele, analysis of , analysis of usage statistics, statistics, and demographic and demographic projections, normally s, normally constrained by constrained by budgetary limitations. ary limitations. Collection development includes the Collection development includes the formulation of formulation of selection criteria, planning for , planning for resource sharing, and , and replacement of of lost and and damaged items, as well as routine , as well as routine selection and and deselection decisions. decisions.

• http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_c.cfm#collecdevel

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What are the phases of What are the phases of collection development?? • The phases of collection development include:The phases of collection development include:

– Learning Community Analysis – Collection Analysis: Collection Analysis:

• Collection Mapping, , Inventory

– Selection – Budgeting Process: :

• Budget Planning, , Acquisition, , Accounting, , Funding Sources

– Collection Maintenance & Weeding – Reconsideration

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Selection• ODLIS::

– The process of deciding which The process of deciding which materials should be should be added to a added to a library collection. Selection decisions are . Selection decisions are usually made on the basis of usually made on the basis of reviews and standard s and standard collection development tools by tools by librarians designated s designated as as selectorsselectors in specific in specific subject areas, based on their areas, based on their interests and interests and fields of s of specialization. In . In academic libraries, selection may also be done by , selection may also be done by members of the teaching faculty in their members of the teaching faculty in their disciplines. s. Very large Very large academic and and public libraries may use an may use an approval plan or or blanket order plan to assist to assist selectors. Library selectors. Library patrons also recommend s also recommend titles for s for purchase, especially in libraries that provide a purchase, especially in libraries that provide a suggestion box. The opposite of . The opposite of deselection. . See alsoSee also: : selection aid and and selection criteria. .

• http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_s.cfm#selection

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Materials Review and Selection • Materials review and selection go Materials review and selection go

hand in hand hand in hand – To make the best use of funding, the media To make the best use of funding, the media

specialist must work collaboratively with specialist must work collaboratively with the teachers to identify needs, review the teachers to identify needs, review existing resources, select new materials, existing resources, select new materials, and build effective learning environments. and build effective learning environments.

– The key is creating positive working The key is creating positive working relationships so that the best possible relationships so that the best possible materials are available for students in a materials are available for students in a timely manner. timely manner.

• http://eduscapes.com/sms/access/selection.html

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Check Your UnderstandingCheck Your Understanding

– Describe a unit and specific standards. Discuss Describe a unit and specific standards. Discuss what types of materials in the library media center what types of materials in the library media center might be used in the unit. What kinds of activities might be used in the unit. What kinds of activities would require library media resources? would require library media resources?

– Create a mini-map of the area of the collection. Create a mini-map of the area of the collection. Look for strength and weak areas. Consider the Look for strength and weak areas. Consider the reading level, development level, and interests of reading level, development level, and interests of the students. the students.

– Develop a set of criteria for evaluating materials. Develop a set of criteria for evaluating materials. Open the Word Document titled Open the Word Document titled Selection Criteria. . Use this as the basis for your own checklist.Use this as the basis for your own checklist.

• http://eduscapes.com/sms/access/selection.html

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School Library StandardsSchool Library Standards

• Information Power::– The The Nine Information Literacy Standards

for Student Learning do not explicitly for Student Learning do not explicitly address reference address reference serviceservice as such. as such.

– Standard 3 is relevant here, however:• The student who is

information literate uses information accurately and creatively.

The newest national standardsThe newest national standards

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Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

offer vision for teaching and learning

to both guide and beckon our profession as education leaders. They will both shape the library program

and serve as a tool for library media

specialists to use to shape the learning of

students in the school. 

http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm

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State StandardsState Standards

• Kentucky:Kentucky:– Academic Expectation 1.1::

– Students use reference tools such as Students use reference tools such as dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, and dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, and computer reference programs and research computer reference programs and research tools such as interviews and surveys to find tools such as interviews and surveys to find the information they need to meet specific the information they need to meet specific demands, explore interests, or solve specific demands, explore interests, or solve specific problems. problems.

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Kentucky Standards for LMCKentucky Standards for LMC• Service Areas of the Library Media CenterService Areas of the Library Media Center

– This main area should be centrally located. Flexible areas should be provided for large and small groups, individual study, and leisure reading. A storytelling area should also be included at the elementary level. Within the reference area (and/or other areas of the LMC) computers, phone lines and data drops must be available for network CD-ROM access, other database access and telecommunications. The main facility should be at least 50-75% of the total square footage.

• Beyond Proficiency: Essentials of a Distinguished Library Media Program, p. 42, p. 42

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Other StatesOther States• Missouri:Missouri:

– The library media center’s reference collection may The library media center’s reference collection may consist of a variety of formats including print, nonprint, consist of a variety of formats including print, nonprint, and electronic items. . . . Reference collections in print and electronic items. . . . Reference collections in print and electronic formats at all grade levels should de-and electronic formats at all grade levels should de-emphasize multivolume general reference encyclopedias emphasize multivolume general reference encyclopedias and focus on subject-related reference resources such as and focus on subject-related reference resources such as field guides, travel guides, collective biographies, field guides, travel guides, collective biographies, almanacs, general and specialized dictionaries and almanacs, general and specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, geographical resources, directories, and encyclopedias, geographical resources, directories, and bibliographies.bibliographies.

• Standards for Missouri School Library Media Centers, , p. 9-10p. 9-10http://www.fulton.k12.mo.us/desedocs/curriculum/standards/99standards.pdf

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Collection Development PoliciesCollection Development Policies• Crucial:Crucial:

– Every school system should have a Every school system should have a comprehensive policy on the selection of comprehensive policy on the selection of instructional materials. It should relate to instructional materials. It should relate to and include all materials; for example, and include all materials; for example, textbooks, library books, periodicals, films, textbooks, library books, periodicals, films, videocassettes, records, audiocassettes, and videocassettes, records, audiocassettes, and CDs. The reason should be obvious: CDs. The reason should be obvious: haphazard patterns of acquisition will result haphazard patterns of acquisition will result in waste because some—perhaps many—in waste because some—perhaps many—materials will overlap in content, or will be materials will overlap in content, or will be unrelated to changing patterns of unrelated to changing patterns of instruction.instruction.

•ALA Workbook for Selection Policy Writing http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/challengesupport/dealing/workbookselection.htm

A Sample Kentucky PolicyA Sample Kentucky Policy• Collection Development Policy for Williamstown Jr

/. Sr. High School Library Media Center– [This] collection development policy and [This] collection development policy and

procedures manual is to serve professional procedures manual is to serve professional faculty and staff at Williamstown Jr./Sr. High faculty and staff at Williamstown Jr./Sr. High School School.  It is solely for the use of School School.  It is solely for the use of aforementioned school and provides an aforementioned school and provides an overview of general processing, selection and overview of general processing, selection and weeding policies and procedures. weeding policies and procedures. 

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Selection Tools for Reference CollectionsSelection Tools for Reference Collections

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2222More Selection ToolsMore Selection Tools• Reference and User Services Quarterly

– An annual “abridged” version of An annual “abridged” version of American Reference Books Annual, , affectionately known as affectionately known as ARBAARBA

• Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries and Media Centers

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Online GuidesOnline GuidesReference for StudentsBlanche Woolls and David Loertscher bring you the best in K-12 print reference materials. http://www.gale.cengage.com/reference/bandd

Use TITLEWAVE to search for books and audiovisual materials, build and store lists, and order online.Use TitleWise to identify the strengths & weaknesses of school & district collections.

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WeedingWeeding• WHAT TO DISCARD... WHAT TO DISCARD...

– Look for items (print and non-print) Look for items (print and non-print) that are not current and that include that are not current and that include information that is out-of-date, information that is out-of-date, inaccurate, or misleading. Any title that inaccurate, or misleading. Any title that implies currency (Today, Modern, etc.) implies currency (Today, Modern, etc.) should be examined critically. This should be examined critically. This decision should be based on the content decision should be based on the content of the item, not the cost or good of the item, not the cost or good physical condition. Books with physical condition. Books with appropriate and accurate content but in appropriate and accurate content but in bad physical condition should be bad physical condition should be repaired or weeded.repaired or weeded.

– http://www.sunlink.ucf.edu/weed/howTo.html

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Evaluating Reference ServiceEvaluating Reference Service• Common methods include:Common methods include:

– Counts of reference questionsCounts of reference questions– Periodic inspection of reference sectionPeriodic inspection of reference section– Survey of user satisfaction/willingness to Survey of user satisfaction/willingness to

return return – Observation of performance:Observation of performance:

• Obtrusive: Someone sits and watches (or makes Obtrusive: Someone sits and watches (or makes a video of) the librariana video of) the librarian

• Unobtrusive: Use of “mystery patron”, where Unobtrusive: Use of “mystery patron”, where student proxies ask prepared questions and the student proxies ask prepared questions and the librarian has no idea this is an observationlibrarian has no idea this is an observation

– See "Reference Evaluation: An Overview" in See "Reference Evaluation: An Overview" in Assessment and Assessment and Accountability in Reference WorkAccountability in Reference Work. Ed. Susan Blandy, Lynee . Ed. Susan Blandy, Lynee Martine, Mary Strife. New York: Haworth Press, 1992. 141-Martine, Mary Strife. New York: Haworth Press, 1992. 141-150 and 150 and Reference LibrarianReference Librarian. 38 (1992) 151-73 . 38 (1992) 151-73

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Marketing Reference ServiceMarketing Reference Service• Advocacy Advocacy

– . . . it's important to ask yourself: What are . . . it's important to ask yourself: What are you really advocating, marketing, or you really advocating, marketing, or promoting? Yourself, your program, your promoting? Yourself, your program, your teachers, information, or lifelong learning? teachers, information, or lifelong learning? What's the purpose of the activity? How will What's the purpose of the activity? How will the outcomes of the activity impact students? the outcomes of the activity impact students? How does it relate to your mission? How does it relate to your mission?

• Promotion Promotion • EventsEvents• Change: Innovating Practices and Evolving RolesChange: Innovating Practices and Evolving Roles• Reflection Reflection • Read Toolkit for School Library Media Programs Read Toolkit for School Library Media Programs

for the @your library campaign. for the @your library campaign.

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A Reference Service Management AssignmentA Reference Service Management Assignment

• Your school has decided to add a special Your school has decided to add a special emphasis for this school year on sex emphasis for this school year on sex education. For your school library education. For your school library media center, assess your needs, current media center, assess your needs, current collection and requirements for collection and requirements for updating the reference collection in this updating the reference collection in this area. What will you do if your choices area. What will you do if your choices are challenged? How will you plan are challenged? How will you plan your provision of reference service? your provision of reference service? How would you market it?How would you market it?