Reference Skills Bootcamp - Ormond Beach (08/11/16) 

The Age of Google has changed the way libraries provide reference services, but libraries have not become obsolete by any means! We still help people locate information in person, online, and over the phone, and patrons continue to seek us out for help with their gadgets and to find something good to read. But how can we ensure we’re providing the best service possible, especially when we spend our days “stamping out fires”? By attending a reference bootcamp, of course!

This full-day, intensive workshop will provide an overview of reference services and tools, and tips for developing policy and evaluating and “right-sizing” your reference collection. Participants will also have a chance to practice their reference interview skills, answer questions using both print and online resources (but without a patron waiting at your elbow), and practice using subscription databases you may not be familiar with. Those new to reference work will gain a good grounding in the what, why and how of providing reference services while seasoned librarians can use this workshop as a good refresher for polishing their existing skills. 

Please bring with you a current World Almanac and Book of Facts. 

 NOTE: A computer lab will be available but attendees are also encouraged to bring a laptop computer to the workshop.

WORKSHOP OUTCOMES:

After attending this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain the types and levels of reference service
• Develop a reference policy
• Evaluate and assess a reference collection
• Use open-ended and closed questioning techniques for reference interviews
• Identify and use print and electronic reference resources
• Successfully navigate at least four online subscription databases

Trainer: Belinda Boon

Belinda Boon is an Assistant Professor at Kent State University. She has been a full-time faculty member in the School of Library & Information Science program since 2006, and teaches Foundations of Library & Information Science, Access to Information, and Information Sources and Reference Resources. Prior to teaching she was the Manager of Continuing Education and Consulting (2000-2003) and a Continuing Education Consultant (1993-2000) at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission, responsible for managing an ongoing training program for small community library directors. She served as the Director of the Bastrop (TX) Public Library from 1991-1993, and began her library career as a Children’s Librarian and Assistant Branch Manager in the Harris Co. (TX) Public Libraries in 1988. Her favorite reference transaction was helping a Texas rancher find bolo making instructions so he could catch an ostrich running loose on his ranch (instructions located—pre-internet—in Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival).

Cost: NEFLIN classes are free of charge for Florida library staff.  Registration is required for all classes and NEFLIN members get priority.

Cancellation Deadline is 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2016.
See all NEFLIN CE policies at http://www.neflin.org/training.