What: Core Reference Fundamentals<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=877&reset=1> When: January 14-February 24 Cost: $200.00 - See Below, scholarships possible Libraries of all types provide information and reference services to their community. To provide effective reference requires staff who understand and can apply the underlying values and methods as they assist users in finding the best possible resources to meet their information needs. Are you stepping into the role of providing reference assistance for the first time in your library career? Is it time to brush up on your basic skills because you are returning to work in a capacity that includes reference work with library users? Do you want to be able to quickly identify and locate information in all formats? Whether you have been recently promoted to support direct information and reference services, or are returning to reference work some years after you completed your library degree, you'll need a clear understanding of how to determine the real information need behind users' questions and where to look for authoritative answers. This course will acquaint you with why, when and how to do an effective reference interview, which resources are best suited to which types of reference questions, how to use both print and web-based resources appropriate to the user's need, and how reference work fits into the mission of your library. You'll learn how the physical layout of your library, and signage and shelving for various collections can impact its delivery of information services. You'll become familiar with alternative methods for delivering information when its needed, such as email, chat and instant messaging, to help your users no matter where they are or when the library is open Course Description: This online course will provide you with opportunities to learn and practice an effective reference interview, as well as to explore a wide variety of print and web-based tools. Through individual and group exercises, you will discover ways to assist diverse groups of users, including those with physical disabilities and those with whom you do not share a common language. You will learn to think like an indexer and apply that perspective to your information hunting in response to reference questions. We will spend time examining and using a variety of print and web-based resources, as well as specialized resources for government research, and inquiries about images or sounds. The instructor will provide sample policies, templates, tip sheets and a webliography, as well as simple, practical techniques that can be applied immediately. During the course, you will be doing exercises and participating in discussion forums. There will be one online meeting held as part of the online learning process. More information on this course.<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=877> Did you know that InfoPeople.org offer limited scholarships to ARSL members for their online courses? Visit https://infopeople.org/content/rural-library-course-fee-waiver-form for more information. Evette M. Atkin Continuing Education Consultant atkine@michigan.gov<mailto:atkine@michigan.gov>