An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Libraries

An introductory text on various aspects of reference services—that requires your students to think! An Introduction to Reference Services in Academic Libraries is 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 Libraries is 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 Libraries includes 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 Libraries is 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:
Part One: Case Studies Case Study 1. Development, Implementation, and Assessment of a Virtual Information Literacy Tutorial on an Urban Campus Valeda Frances Dent Setting. Objectives. Methods. Results. Conclusion. Appendix: Orsem Library Information Quiz, Fall 2004, Volume 4. Exercises. Case Study 2. Reference Triage at the Medical College of Ohio: Just-in-Case to Just-in-Time at the Mulford Library Marlene A. Porter and Jolene M. Miller Introduction. Setting. Objective. Methods. Results. Exercises. Case Study 3. Marketing Library Services to Young Male Faculty Mary Mee Introduction. Strategies. Conclusion. Exercises. Case Study 4. Relational Reference: A Challenge to the Reference Fortress John E. Holberg Relational Reference. Reference As Being. Community of Practice. What Relational Reference Is Not. Exercises. Case Study 5. Virtual Reference: Answering Patrons’ Questions Electronically Christopher Nelson Cox Introduction. Needs Assessment. Instant Answers@WPI. Collaborative Efforts. Number of Questions. Policies and Procedures. Staff Skills. Staff Training. Marketing. Service Continuation. Exercises. Case Study 6. What They Don’t Teach You in Library School: Experience Is the Real Teacher Tammy S. Guerrero Setting. Objective. Methods. Reference Services. Results. Conclusion. Exercises. Case Study 7. Occasional Occurrences at Owl Creek University Debra Cox Rollins and Rusty Gaspard Introduction. Setting. Background. Conclusion. Exercises. Case Study 8. Uninvited Change: The Governors State University Library’s Evolving Reference and Technology Desk Paul Blobaum Introduction. Objective. Methods. Results. Conclusion. Exercises. Case Study 9. Common Queries Marilyn Schoot-Castle Walk-Ins versus E-Mailed Queries. Professors Expecting Miracles. Undergraduate Expectations. Exercises. Case Study 10. Models for Measuring and Evaluating Reference Costs Matthew R. Marsteller and Susan Ware Introduction. Reference Service Cost Studies. Reference Transaction Logs. Interactive Digital Reference Cost Models. Specific Cases. Conclusion. Exercises. Case Study 11. Customer Survey Miron Stenche Introduction. Objective. Method. Results. Conclusion. Exercises. Part Two: Essays Essay 1. The Diverse Librarian Paula M. Smith Exercises. Essay 2. Academic Librarian As the Rodney Dangerfield of University Faculty: “I Get No Respect” Tammy S. Guerrero Exercises. Essay 3. The Teaching Portfolio: Explaining What We Do So Well Mark L. McCallon Introduction. What Is the Teaching Portfolio? Summary of Teaching Responsibilities. Student Evaluation Data. Teaching Philosophy Statement. Teaching Objects and Supporting Data. Supporting Data. Uses of the Portfolio. Conclusion. Exercises. Appendix: Thinking About Teaching and Learning. Essay 4. The Glass of Fashion: Librarianship for the Twenty-First Century Susan Swords Steffen and Michael J. Bell Introduction. The New Library: Myth and Reality. Managing the Whirlwind