The Foundations of Reference Services

Theme 1 Blog Post:  The Foundation of Reference Services

As I read and processed new concepts and learnings in this first part of the course readings, it cemented for me the importance of comprehensive and effective reference services in relation to student achievement.  

(Retrieved from Google Image)

Reference service is defined as “the ability to translate student questions into terms that can be understood by aligning them with proper resources, Reidling; 2013, p. 4”  Many TLs do this by directing students to the various reference sources available to students and staff alike. One reference resource is the online databases, which many school districts have purchased.  In my discussion with my school TL, he has stated that the online databases are not used very much at all.  He has observed that students would simply Google their topic of research and don’t go much beyond that in their research.  The question that comes to mind is, how do we encourage students to make use of and access the information that is available to them in the online databases?   My TL also said that students have commented to him that “it is too hard” to search the databases.  Then, how do we make researching online databases a more workable activity for students? 

(Retrieved from Google image)

I supposed TLs will continue to teach and promote online database use.  As well as encourage more collaboration with teachers through inquiry projects, and implementing problem-solving models such as the Big6 or The Points of Inquiry.  Below is a fun video explaining the Big6 research method that can be used with students.


(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwj1R2XD200)

I also think TLs need the support of other teachers and administrators to promote information literacy.  And if information literacy is a school-wide goal then all teachers should be teaching it-its a collaborative process. It should not be left to the TL only.  As teaching trends change, and technology play a greater role in the way teachers teach, reference services that are comprehensive and effective will do well to serve student and staff in a learning community.


Reference

BCTLA (2018).  Overview: Points of inquiry.  Retrieved from https://tl-pi.wikispaces.com/Overview+Points+of+Inquiry

Riedling, C. A., Shake, L., & Houston, C. (2013).  Reference skills for the school librarian: Tools and tips (3rd ed.).  Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth.

 The Big 6 Research 2016. 8 Nov. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwj1R2XD200&t=1s.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2018 at 10:35 AM

    can't wait to further explore the Big6 link you provided!!!

    ReplyDelete

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