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.
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
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement|{D7A8FC71-978F-4003-9933-512C476323B2}
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
0
Semester Contact Hours Clinical
0
Prerequisite Narrative
LIIS 150
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
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