611:Information Technologies in Educational Organizations and IST 605 Reference and Information Literacy Services. For one of my discussions in my Reference class, we had to ask the same reference question to two different reference librarians: one face-to-face and one online and rate the interactions. Did the reference librarians use their best practices? Were they friendly and welcoming when approached? Did they ask clarifying questions, open ended questions, and close-ended questions when appropriate? Did they ask us to follow up if needed? Below is a summary of my experiences.
I decided to ask two different reference librarians where I could find more information on the use of Web 2.0 technologies in the elementary classroom. I never learned about integrating Web 2.0 technology into the classrooms during my undergraduate career and I am enjoying learning about these technologies in my school media classes.
I asked a reference librarian at my local college. He was very friendly and welcoming. He turned the computer screen towards me and talked and gestured as to what he was doing while he was doing it. He led me to databases which I honestly told him I was still learning how to properly navigate them. After that, he was very specific in how to use one which I thought was a good mini instruction lesson. He also showed me how I could narrow my search results by looking for more recent research, how I could log into my account and save searches and even send new updates and research on the topic via RSS feed. He mentioned that I could find more information in teacher magazines and blogs but he never mentioned any titles of teaching magazines or where I could find a good blog. Overall the reference transaction took less than 5 minutes.
Then, I used the Ask 24/7 feature on the SU library website. I ended up chatting with a nice librarian from Texas. She asked me some open questions and sense making questions to make sure I was getting what I was looking for. She led me to some great articles suggesting the ERIC database and suggested keywords. After I told her that this was great and I felt confident to begin my research, she even offered to follow up if I needed any help.
I found my virtual experience went well and although, I felt the in person reference interview was lacking; the librarian was at least pleasant and interested.
That is very interesting that your online reference experience was more fulfilling then your in person one. I love technology and all, but sometimes I just feel disconnected when talking to someone via a computer screen. I will have to try using the chat 24/7 tool now
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That was an interesting and relevant assignment, Shannon. I like the way you told the story, too.
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