Reference and Information Resources and Services

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Application of Concepts

Conducting the reference interview was a basic skill learned in this course.  The skill is necessary both for the librarian and for the patron to guarantee that the patron's question is answered quickly and thoroughly.  We are in the process of developing a Pathfinder to give our students during bibliographic courses that will guide them in the thought process of locating information and asking meaningful questions that will lead to obtaining that information.  Through the course, I was able to examine first-hand over 100 reference resources, most of which were found in my library, but most of which I had never used.  I now go straight to these resources when answering questions.  For example, even in my own work, I needed to know the average cost of a book in various academic disciplines in order to project the library budget.  I knew to go to the Bowker Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac for that information.

Reference and Information Resources and Services