I had several thoughts to ponder, since receiving my textbook yesterday. There are alot of emails to keep up with, and its a bit of a scrabble for me to figure out what needs to be done! (he he!) What a coincidence that the topic we have begun with is Reference Service. I need a library media specialist to help me out!
So what is Reference Service? Answer the query, create a term and give appropriate resources. Obviously a very skilled technique when there are so many types and levels of query. I did appreciate the comment about using the maximum number of resources, whether found in books, from people or on the internet. It leads me to believe you can find good sources in many places. Also it was made evident that the specialist must have other valuable skills, such as knowing their collection well, being able to converse with others in an efficient and effective manner, and having competence in what they select and deem as valuable information.
How important it will continue to be, to teach students and inquiring minds how to find information themselves. So much information and so little time for most, guidance reference services should be something taught in schools as a regular class, and even better, offered as a community service class for those interested. All of our lives, we search for information, regardless of our level of education or position. Information is a necessity.
When does the library teach more that just about "its collection"? When students are using the internet, talking to specialists, searching journals, articles and excerpts outside of their schools, are we teaching them how to find answers in "real life"? It hits the mark when Ann mentions how specialists with regard to reference work and the education of today's students (are) teaching life long learning skills. (p5)
I am looking forward to what has to be said in the text and in discussions, about the processes available to help teach this skill.
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