Reference is still intrinsic to library services. It is evolving with changing patron needs, varied information resources and new delivery formats. Yet much of traditional practice remains important to providing quality information services to patrons. In this webinar, we will explore the balance between traditional and contemporary reference approaches, inviting you to join this open space conversation. What methods do you employ for reference today? What works? What doesn't? How does social media play a role? Let’s learn from each other "how we do reference" so we can find the best fusion of traditional and modern reference service.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with Drexel University Online and Drexel University's College of Computing & Informatics. Did you know that WebJunction members can receive a 20% tuition reduction for Drexel’s premier online Master’s in Library and Information Science program? Learn more here!

Presented by: Vanessa Irvin Morris, Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Computing & Informatics, Drexel University.

Access Recording

• View Webinar Recording (You will be prompted to log in to our free Course Catalog.)

Webinar Attachments

• View Slides (pdf)
• View Chat (xls)
• Learner Guide (doc) Use alone or with others to extend your learning.

Related Resources and Links

• WebJunction's Reference section
  
• 21st Century Patrons from 21stcenturylibrary.com
• ALA/RUSA. (2014). Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers
• Barton, D. & Hamilton, M. (2005). Literacy, reification and the dynamics of social interaction. In Barton, D. & Tusting, K. (eds.) Beyond Communities Of Practice: Language, Power And Social Context. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
• Doyle, B. (2012, December 14). The library’s timeless purpose. Public Libraries Online
• Enders, A., & Brandt, Z. (2007, Spring). Mapping disability-relevant resources. Map. Journal of Disability Policy Studies [serial online]. 17(4):227. Available via Academic Search Premier.
• Kern, M. (2014). The reference landscape: Public and Academic, Live and Virtual, New and Old (pdf). ILA Reporter, 32(2), 16-17.
• Phillips, N. (2014). Reference Renovation (pdf). ILA Reporter, 32(2), 12-15.
• Gregory, L. & Higgins, S. (2013) Information literacy and social justice : radical professional praxis. Sacramento, CA : Library Juice Press.
• Shared in Chat:
  • The James B. Hunt Library at NC State is a great example of the mix of traditional and technology services http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/huntlibrary
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALAthinkTANK/
  • Wondering who isn't using the Internet and why? From the Pew Research Center "7 things to know about offline Americans" 
  • Ed. Melissa Morrone INformed Agitation 2013 Library Juice Press