Welcome to the Basic Library Techniques session in Reference. This class is composed of two parts: Part 1 is an asynchronous online class including forum posts and assignments. Participants will have 3-4 weeks to complete, with about 5-7 hours of work in total. Part 2 is a live three-hour class with Consultant Kristi Chadwick to review concepts and assignments, along with questions and current issues.

Please register for the Part 2 session you wish to attend. Also, please register for only one session. Successful registrants will receive instructions on creating an account and accessing the class in the MLS Learning Hub prior to starting Part 1 on Monday, April 3. All Part 1 work must be completed to attend Part 2 and receive full credit for the class.

Course outcomes:

• Define reference work, describe service models, and identify professional standards to set expectations for reference services at your library.
• Evaluate reference sources according to established criteria to develop a reference collection suited to your community, match specific sources to patron needs, and use those sources effectively.
• Follow reference interview guidelines for communication, search techniques, and following up to fully understand and meet patrons’ informational and reading needs.
• Devise information and digital literacy instruction and marketing strategies to promote reference services in your community.