1. What is your understanding of reference materials in the library media center?
As far as I'm aware at the moment, the reference section in a library media center is a place for patrons to gain/learn/utilize information. The information gained is generally more specific than just looking up a book in the non-fiction section. The reference section is designed to be a research station for patrons. I'm taking a logical leap, but to my best understanding, materials may not be checked out/removed from the reference section. The rationale being that these materials need to be available to all patrons at all times.
2. Any questions or other comments you have?
I'm excited to explore another facet of my library!
3. (Louis Question) How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.
Being an introductory class, my professional life has yet to be affected. That being said, I'm anticipating learning more about the reference section of my library. It's a section I've largely ignored in my job, to this point. And though I've been able to assist my students by including Encyclopedia Brittanica Online, I fear that my lack of understanding may be letting my patrons down. And I don't want to have that happen.
I can relate to your concerns about not knowing enough about your libraries' resources; however, taking into account you are in the beginning stages of becoming a LMS it is understandable that you do not have all the answers. I think in time with both the knowledge you will gain in this class as well as hands on experience you will be able to assist your patrons with a higher level of service.
ReplyDeleteI think many new library media specialists kind of leave the reference section as the last thing they begin to look at. You are definitely not alone in doing that. But, in this course, I think you'll want to start focusing on the reference section...how to make it more timely and up-to-date, whether or not to include various online databases and how to direct patrons to using those resources. I think by the end of this course you'll really like your reference section and will have gathered all kinds of ideas to develop and promote it.
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