Welcome to the new Basic Library Techniques (BLT) session in Reference. This course will be about three weeks of self-paced online modules combined with a one-day in-person session. The online class must be completed before attending an in-person session. Participants must register for and complete/attend both sessions to earn their certificate of completion.

Course outcomes:

• Define reference work, describe service models, and identify professional standards in order to set expectations for reference services at your library.
• Evaluate reference sources according to established criteria in order 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 in order to fully understand and meet patrons’ informational and reading needs.
• Devise information and digital literacy instruction and marketing strategies in order to promote reference services in your community.

After registration, participants will receive a separate email from Kelly Woodside, support@articulate.com with a login and initial password to the online class. The Administration class will go live on March 27. All work must be completed before attending the in-person session.

If you do not have your login information on March 27th please email Kristi Chadwick kristi@masslibsystem.org.