An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Libraries

by Connor; Elizabeth

• ISBN13: 9780789029584
• ISBN10: 0789029588
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2006-08-10
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

An introductory text on various aspects of reference services ”that requires your students to think! An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Librariesis a comprehensive textbook that presents compelling case studies and thought-provoking essays that teach the principles of reference services. Eighteen authorities from private and public academic libraries around the United States offer unique perspectives and solid information in an active learning format that requires students to think and learn. The book provides a stimulating starting point for those learning about planning, managing, and evaluating reference services. An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Librariesis a valuable teaching resource that helps college teachers to move beyond traditional passive learning to more effective active learning. Each chapter "s interest-sparking activities and questions challenge students to dynamically search out solutions to specific problems. The text takes a broad, informative ”and at times amusing ”look at the foundations of reference services, using the uniquely creative activities and questions to make difficult topics such as virtual reference services, relational reference, academic portfolios, and reference cost calculators easy to learn. The book is thoroughly referenced, and many chapters include charts and special activities to help spark student engagement in the learning process. Over thirty tables and figures make complex information easy to access and understand. An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Librariesincludes discussions on: virtual information literacy tutorials the minimal and maximal models of reference functions ”and the smooth transition to the triage model marketing strategies to attract male faculty the reference desk as impediment to accessibility relational reference virtual reference ”including instant messaging and software issues guidance, assistance, and instruction of students reference assistance, outreach, and instructions maintaining high quality service ”while maximizing the time of reference librarians collection development policies evaluating reference costs diversity librarians ranking on level with faculty positions the importance ”and development ”of teaching portfolios unusual library patrons and more! An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Librariesis a stimulating teaching resource that is perfect for library school students, entry-level academic librarians, library support staff, mid-career librarians new to academic libraries, and library school faculty.

Table of Contents

About the Editor	xiii
Contributors	xv
Preface	xvii
PART I: CASE STUDIES
Case Study 1. Development, Implementation, and Assessment of a Virtual Information Literacy Tutorial on an Urban Campus	3	(20)
Valeda Frances Dent
Setting	3	(1)
Objectives	4	(2)
Methods	6	(6)
Results	12	(2)
Conclusion	14	(3)
Appendix: Orsem Library Information Quiz, Fall 2004, Version 4	17	(4)
Exercises	21	(2)
Case Study 2. Reference Triage at the Medical University of Ohio: Just-in-Case to Just-in-Time at the Mulford Library	23	(12)
Marlene A. Porter
Jolene M. Miller
Introduction	23	(1)
Setting	24	(2)
Objective	26	(1)
Methods	27	(3)
Results	30	(2)
Exercises	32	(3)
Case Study 3. Marketing Library Services to Young Male Faculty	35	(4)
Mary Mee
Introduction	35	(1)
Strategies	35	(2)
Conclusion	37	(1)
Exercises	37	(2)
Case Study 4. Relational Reference: A Challenge to the Reference Fortress	39	(10)
John E. Holberg
Relational Reference	41	(1)
Reference As Being	42	(1)
Community of Practice	43	(1)
What Relational Reference Is Not	44	(3)
Exercises	47	(2)
Case Study 5. Virtual Reference: Answering Patrons' Questions Electronically	49	(12)
Christopher Nelson Cox
Introduction	49	(1)
Needs Assessment	50	(2)
Instant Answers@WPI	52	(1)
Collaborative Efforts	52	(1)
Number of Questions	53	(1)
Policies and Procedures	53	(1)
Staff Skills	54	(1)
Staff Training	55	(1)
Marketing	56	(1)
Service Continuation	56	(2)
Exercises	58	(3)
Case Study 6. What They Don't Teach You in Library School: Experience Is the Real Teacher	61	(16)
Tammy S. Guerrero
Setting	61	(1)
Objective	62	(1)
Methods	62	(2)
Reference Services	64	(6)
Results	70	(2)
Conclusion	72	(3)
Exercises	75	(2)
Case Study 7. Occasional Occurrences at Owl Creek University	77	(24)
Debra Cox Rollins
Rusty Gaspard
Introduction	77	(1)
Setting	78	(1)
Background	78	(19)
Conclusion	97	(2)
Exercises	99	(2)
Case Study 8. Uninvited Change: The Governors State University Library's Evolving Reference and Technology Desk	101	(12)
Paul Blobaum
Introduction	101	(1)
Objective	102	(1)
Methods	103	(3)
Results	106	(3)
Conclusion	109	(1)
Exercises	110	(3)
Case Study 9. Common Queries	113	(6)
Marilyn Schoot-Castle
Walk-Ins versus E-Mailed Queries	113	(1)
Professors Expecting Miracles	114	(1)
Undergraduate Expectations	115	(1)
Exercises	116	(3)
Case Study 10. Models for Measuring and Evaluating Reference Costs	119	(12)
Matthew R. Marsteller
Susan Ware
Introduction	119	(1)
Reference Service Cost Studies	120	(1)
Reference Transaction Logs	120	(1)
Interactive Digital Reference Cost Models	121	(1)
Specific Cases	121	(6)
Conclusion	127	(2)
Exercises	129	(2)
Case Study 11. Customer Survey	131	(6)
Miron Stenche
Introduction	131	(1)
Objective	131	(1)
Method	131	(2)
Results	133	(1)
Conclusion	133	(1)
Exercises	133	(4)
PART II: ESSAYS
Essay 1. The Diverse Librarian	137	(4)
Paula M. Smith
Exercises	139	(2)
Essay 2. Academic Librarian As the Rodney Dangerfield of University Faculty: "I Get No Respect"	141	(6)
Tammy S. Guerrero
Exercises	144	(3)
Essay 3. The Teaching Portfolio: Explaining What We Do So Well	147	(12)
Mark L. McCallon
Introduction	147	(1)
What Is the Teaching Portfolio?	147	(1)
Summary of Teaching Responsibilities	148	(1)
Student Evaluation Data	149	(1)
Teaching Philosophy Statement	150	(2)
Teaching Objects and Supporting Data	152	(1)
Supporting Data	152	(2)
Uses of the Portfolio	154	(1)
Conclusion	154	(1)
Exercises	155	(1)
Appendix: Thinking About Teaching and Learning	156	(3)
Essay 4. The Glass of Fashion: Librarianship for the Twenty-First Century	159	(8)
Susan Swords Steffen
Michael J. Bell
Introduction	159	(1)
The New Library: Myth and Reality	160	(1)
Managing the Whirlwind	161	(2)
Educational Leadership	163	(1)
Conclusion	164	(1)
Exercises	165	(2)
Essay 5. Frames of Reference Considering the Meaning of Reference—Its Origins, Present, and Future	167	(10)
Linda Loos Scarth
Reference/Referee/Referent	167	(3)
Frames	170	(3)
Reframing Reference	173	(3)
Exercises	176	(1)
Essay 6. Serving Unusual Patrons in the Library	177	(6)
James Langan
Exercises	181	(2)
Essay 7. The Academic Librarian	183	(8)
Paula M. Smith
Research Skills in Fifty Minutes or Fewer: Teaching	184	(1)
Writer's Angst: Publishing	185	(1)
Learning to Play Nice: Committee Work	185	(1)
The Mystique of the Dossier	186	(1)
How Come Nobody Told Me That? Finding a Mentor	186	(1)
Information Glut: Staying Informed	187	(1)
Remembering Why I Chose This Profession It Wasn't the Money!	188	(1)
Exercises	189	(2)
Index	191