LTA 1102 - Introduction to Reference and Information Services

LTA 1102: Introduction to Reference and Information Services provides an introduction to reference and information services for the Library Technical Assistant. Includes basic tools needed to answer directional and ready reference questions. Print and electronic resources, interview techniques, and virtual reference services are discussed.

We will cover:
Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to do the following:

Demonstrate the ability to answer ready reference questions involving the use of basic information tools such as almanacs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, directories, handbooks, indexes, abstracts, government publications, and electronic databases.
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of computerized as well as print reference tools.
Select and describe the appropriate source to answer informational questions.
Locate and interpret authoritative information on the World Wide Web in order to correctly and efficiently respond to reference inquiries.
Review and appraise web sites for accuracy and appropriateness.
Demonstrate the ability to confer with patrons in order to clarify and analyze their questions to best determine their information needs.
Analyze a reference work to determine its scope, arrangement, and use in specific situations.
Explain how to respond to reference questions in an ethical and professional manner.

Topical Outline:

General information sources: almanacs, encyclopedias, and directories
Business information sources
Medical and legal information sources
Historical information sources
Literature and pop culture sources
K-12 reference sources
Locating government information
Electronic databases
Readers advisory
Reference interview process
Types of reference service
Managing the angry patron
Ethics at the reference desk
Evaluating the web as reference tool
Search strategies for the world wide web

This course isn't for you if:

You are unwilling to enter a library. This course will have you out of the house and in your local libraries every week.
You think online courses are easier than in person courses. The workload is exactly the same for this class.
You are uncomfortable sharing opinions with the class. Part of your grade comes from the reaction papers that you will post to the class "Message Center."
You are a procrastinator. Online courses have deadlines too!

This is a 16 week course delivered entirely online. To register, please call (630) 942-2377 or go to Online Registration.

Introduction to Reference and Information Services is one of nine courses in the Library Technology Program.. LTA 1101 Introduction to Libraries in the Information Age is the prerequisite course. For more information about the Library Technology Program at College of DuPage, refer to our web site.