Reference Interview 101

eLearning

Reference Interview is a comprehensive six-week asynchronous course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference services, behaviorial aspects of reference service.

Reference Interview is a comprehensive six-week asynchronous course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference services, behavioral aspects of reference service, and the different types of questions that can be used to help patrons identify what they need. Using images and texts, this in-depth educational approach covers everything from the approachability of the librarian to how to follow up with the patron. Scheduled chat sessions will model interviewing techniques using sample dialogues.

Reference Interview is tailored for support staff, library technicians, newly hired reference librarians, and those librarians who want to brush up on their interview skills. The topics covered are introductory in nature. Class segments are geared to cover issues of interest to staff in all types of libraries.

Learning Outcomes

Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: Reference Evaluation
Module 3: Behaviorial Guidelines
Module 4: Approachability
Module 5: The Reference Interview Environment
Module 6: Questionning and Listening Techniques
Module 7: The Reference Interview: Dialogues
Module 8: The Reference Interview: Follow-up

Instructor

David Tyckoson has almost 40 years of experience in academic libraries. He is currently a reference librarian at the Henry Madden Library, California State University, Fresno. Past positions include serving as Head of the Reference Department at SUNY-Albany, Reference Librarian at Iowa State University, and Science Librarian at Miami University (Ohio). Tyckoson has also taught in the Graduate Library schools a SUNY-Albany and the University of Illinois.

In addition, Tyckoson is a Past-President of RUSA. He has written extensively on libraries and reference services, having published over 75 journal articles and book chapters. He has presented at over 60 conferences and was awarded the 2005 Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished contribution to reference librarianship

How to Register

Online
By Email: download, complete and email form (PDF) to registration@ala.org
By Mail: Download, complete and mail form (PDF) to American Library Association, ATTN: MACS/Online CE Registration, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601

Credits

Continuing Education Credit- A certificate of completion will be sent to each participant upon successful completion of a course.

Although this course is not CEU-certified, many licensing boards will accept it for credit. Requirements vary by state and school district regarding certification and continuing education credits. The decision to grant CEU credits remains entirely up to your state or school district. If you are in need of credits, check with your state and/or school district before enrolling to determine eligibility. Some states will review your certificate of completion and course description to determine eligibility.

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