This is an introductory course that examines how reference librarians
and information professionals conduct reference work in all types of libraries
and information centers. The course covers the evaluation of basic reference
materials in print and electronic formats and the search strategies and
interviewing skills needed to answer questions posed by patrons or clients.
To learn strategies for identifying appropriate information resources
to meet information needs.
To learn how to evaluate information resources in print and electronic
formats.
To understand current issues in reference and information services.
Text and Assigned Reads (Required)
Katz, W.A. (1997). Introduction to Reference Work, 7th Ed. New
York: McGraw-Hill Companies. 2 volumes
Volume 1: Basic Information Sources
Volume 2: Reference Services and Reference Processes
Supplementary Readings - on Reserve in Main Library
Aug. 26 - Professional Resources
Aug. 28 - Evaluating Reference Resources
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.1
Bates (1986). What is a reference book?
Rettig (1987). Every reference librarian a reviewer.
Aug. 30 - Dictionaries (List 1)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.10
Kister (1992). What is important when choosing a dictionary?
Sept. 2 - Labor Day - NO CLASS
Sept. 4 - Dictionaries
Sept. 6 - Dictionaries
Sept. 9 - Reference Interview
Read:
Katz, V.2-Ch.6
Dervin & Dewdney (1986). Neutral questioning.
Smith & Fitt (1982). Active listening at the reference desk.
Larson & Dickson (1994). Developing behavioral reference desk…
Abels (1996). The e-mail reference interview.
Sept. 11 - Reference Interview
DUE: REVIEW
Sept. 13 - Encyclopedias (List 2)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.7
Kister (1994). Kister’s best encyclopedias.
Valauska (1995). Britannica Online.
Sept. 16 - Encyclopedias
Sept. 18 - Encyclopedias
Sept. 20 - Almanacs and Yearbooks (List 3)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch. 8 (pp. 251-263)
Sept. 23 - NO CLASS
Sept. 25 - Almanacs and Yearbooks
Sept. 27 - EXAM 1 (Lists 1-3)
Sept. 30 - Search Strategy
Read:
Katz, V.2- Ch.7
Benson & Maloney (1975). Principles of searching.
Oct. 2 - Search Strategy
Oct. 4 - Biographical Sources (List 4)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.9
Oct. 7 - Biographical Sources
Oct. 9 - Biographical Sources
Oct. 11 - Geographical Sources (List 5)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.11
Sader (1988). What to look for in atlases.
Oct. 14 - Directories and Handbooks (List 6)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.8 (pp. 264-283)
Oct. 16 - Directories and Handbooks
Oct. 18 - Directories and Handbooks
Oct. 21 - NO CLASS
Oct. 23 - NO CLASS
Oct. 25 - Evaluation of Reference Services
Read:
Katz, V.2-Ch.10
Campbell (1992). Shaking the conceptual foundations of reference.
Dewdney & Ross (1994). Flying a light aircraft.
Durrance (1989). Reference success.
Oct. 28 - Evaluation of Reference Services
Oct. 30 - Business Sources (List 7)
Read:
Lavin (1992). Sources and forms of business information.
Nov. 1 - EXAM 2 (Lists 4-7)
Nov. 4 - Internet Reference
Read:
Katz, V.2-Ch.4
Ladner & Tillman (1993). Using the Internet for reference.
Lanier & Wilkins (1994). Ready reference via the Internet.
Klassen (1995). Usenet as a reference tool.
Mellendorf (1995). Pounding the pavement with a purpose.
Rettig (1995) - Putting the squeeze… NOT IN READING PACKET
Nov. 6 - Internet Reference
Nov. 8 - Government Documents and Statistics (List 8)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.8 (pp. 295-298) and V.1-Ch.12
Maxwell (1995). The 10 best federal government Internet sites.
Nov. 11 - Government Documents and Statistics
DUE: INTERNET REPORTS
Nov. 13 - Trade Bibliography (List 9)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.3
Nov. 15 - National Union Catalog (List 10)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.4
Benaud & Bordeianu (1993). OCLC’s FirstSearch.
Nov. 18 - National Union Catalog
Nov. 20 - Serials (List 11)
Nov. 22 - Indexes and Abstracts (List 12)
Read:
Katz, V.1-Ch.5 and V.1-Ch.6
Nov. 25 - Indexes and Abstracts
DUE: OBSERVATION REPORTS
Nov. 27 - Indexes and Abstracts
Nov. 29 - Thanksgiving - NO CLASS
Dec. 2 - Electronic Reference
Read:
Katz, V.2-Ch.2 and V.2-Ch.8
Lancaster et al (1994). Searching databases with CD-ROM.
Piternick (1990). Decision factors…
Tenopir (1995). Integrating electronic reference.
Dec. 4 - Electronic Reference
Dec. 6 - Wrap Up
Dec. 9 - Exam 3 (List 8-12)
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 & 3 (20% each) 40%
Encyclopedia assignment 15%
Observation report 15%
Review 10%
Participation 5%
Letter grades are awarded on the following basis:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
>70 = F
Late assignments will be graded down, unless otherwise arranged with the professor.
The guidelines as described in the University of Arizona Code of Academic
Integrity (August 1991) are to be followed in this course.
1. Book Review (10%) - Due September 11th
You will be asked to write a short review of a reference book of your
choice. Your review should be no longer than 400 words and should be similar
in style and content to reviews published in professional journals.
3. Internet Report (15%) - Due November 11th
You have a choice of assignments.
Option 1:
You will compare the print version of the Encyclopedia Britannica to the Internet version of the encyclopedia, Britannica Online (available on SABIO). In a 5 page paper, evaluate the access issues related to finding information in this encyclopedia in these different formats. Consider the following: · Does the scope differ between the electronic and print formats? · Is the intended audience different for the print and electronic formats? · How is the information organized in the print and electronic formats and how does this affect ease of access to information? · Are the print and electronic versions equally current? · Do the print and electronic versions equally comprehensive and contain information of equal quality, authority, accuracy and objectivity? · Are there differences in "value-added" features (e.g., graphics, maps, sound, video, web links)? Please use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Option 2:
Critique three (3) of the University of Arizona librarian-created subject web sites that are listed on the University of Arizona Library Home page (http://dizzy.library.arizona.edu:80/info_res.html under "Information Resources Selected by UA Librarians.") in a paper not to exceed 5 double-spaced pages. Specify the web sites you examined and identify the evaluation criteria you used (e.g., how easy the site was to use, how well the connections/links worked, how well the site matched your expectations in terms of resources listed, etc.). Then, explain how well the three web sites measured up to your criteria, using specific examples. Please turn in two copies of this paper (if you wish) so that we can share your feedback with the librarians in the main library; you can leave your name off of the second copy.
4. Examinations (55%)
This course will have 3 exams; the first exam will be worth 15% (September 27th) and the second (November 1st) and third exams (December 9th) will be work 20% each. The exams will be administered as in-class exams. The exams will be comprised of reference questions (requiring you to identify the most appropriate reference source to answer the question) and short-answer/essay questions based on the issues addressed in lecture, class discussions, and the readings.
5. Class Participation (5%)
Students are expected to participate in class discussion, as well as
participate on the class listserv (LIS524) and outside listservs related
to reference (e.g., LIBREF-L). The class listserv will be used to distribute
class assignments and to communicate with the class. It is very important
that students sign up for the listerv at the beginning of the semester.
Supplementary Readings.
Evaluating Reference Resources:
Bates, M.J. (1986). What is a reference book? A theoretical and empirical
analysis. RQ, 26 (Fall), 37-57.
Rettig, J. (1987). Every reference librarian a reviewer. RQ, 26 (4), 467-476.
Search Strategy:
Benson, J., and Maloney, R.K. (1975). Principles of searching. RQ,
14 (4), 316- 320
Bibliography:
Benaud, C-L, & Bordeianu, S. (1993). OCLC’s FirstSearch: A reference
tool still evolving. Reference Services Review, 21 (2), 7-16.
Reference Interview:
Dervin, B. and Dewdney, P. (1986). Neutral questioning: a new approach
to the reference interview. RQ, 25 (4), 506-513.
Smith, N.M., and Fitt, S.D. (1982). Active listening at the reference desk. RQ, 21 (3), 247-249.
Larson, C.A., and Dickson, L.K. (1994). Developing behavioral reference desk performance standards. RQ, 33 (3), 349-357.
Abels, E.G. (1996). The e-mail reference interview. RQ, 35 (3), 345-358.
Electronic Reference
Lancaster, F.W. et al. (1994). Searching databases with CD-ROM: Comparison
of the results of end-user searching with results from two modes of searching
by skilled intermediaries. RQ, 33 (3), 370-386.
Piternick, A.B. (1990). Decision factors favoring the use of online
sources for providing information. RQ, 29 (4), 534-544.
Tenopir, C. (1995). Integrating electronic reference. Library Journal,
20 (6), 39- 40.
Dictionaries
Kister, K.F. (1992). Kister’s Best Dictionaries for Adults and Young
People: A Comparative Guide. Phoenix, AZ: Oyrx Press. p. 61-73.
Internet Reference
Ladner, S.J., and Tillman, H.N. (1993). Using the Internet for reference.
Online, 17 (1), 45-51.
Lanier, D., and Wilkins, W. (1994). Ready reference via the Internet.
RQ, 33 (3), 359-367.
Klassen, T.W. (1995). Usenet as a reference tool. Reference Services
Review (RSR), 23 (2), 13-16, 39.
Mellendorf, S.A. (1995). Pounding the pavement with purpose: Utilizing
the information superhighway for daily work tasks. RQ, 35 (2), 231-235.
Rettig, J. (1995). Putting the squeeze on the information firehose:
The need for ‘Neteditors and ‘Netreviewers. Not in readings. Find at: http://www.swem.wm.edu/firehose.html
Encyclopedias
Kister, K.F. (1994). Kister’s Best Encyclopedias: A comparative guide
to general and specialized encyclopedias. 2nd ed. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press.
p. 15-20.
Valauska, E.J. (1995). Britannica Online: Redefining encyclopedias
for the next century. Database, 18 (1), 14-19.
Reference Evaluation
Campbell, J.D. (1992). Shaking the conceptual foundations of reference:
A perspective. Reference Services Review, 20 (4), 29-36.
Dewdney, P., & Ross, C.S. (1994). Flying a light aircraft: Reference
service evaluation from a user’s viewpoint. RQ, 34 (2), 217-230.
Durrance, J.C. (1989). Reference success: Does the 55 percent rule
tell the whole story? Library Journal, 114 (April 15, 1989), 31-36.
Geographic Sources
Sader, M. (1988). What to look for in atlases. General Reference Books
for Adults: Authoritative evaluations of encyclopedias, atlases, and dictionaries.
New York: R.R. Bowker. p. 149-161.
Business
Lavin, M.R. (1992). Chapter 1: Sources and forms of business information.
Business Information: How to find it, How to use it. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx
Press, p. 3-22.
Government Documents
Maxwell, B. (1995). The 10 Best Federal Government Internet Sites.
Database, 18 (4), 42-47.
Professional Resources
Guides to the Literature
Balay. Guide to Reference Books. 11th ed. Z1035.1 G89 1996
Walford. Guide to Reference Materials. V. 1-3. Z1035.1 W33
Reference Sources for Small and Medium Size Libraries. 5th ed. Z1035.1
A47
Periodicals - Reference Focus
Booklist (includes “Reference Books Bulletin”). Z1035 A49
RQ. Z711 R69
RSR: Reference Services Review. Z1035.1 R43
Reference Librarian. Z711 R455
Encyclopedias
ALA World Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, 2nd ed.
Z1006 A18
Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. Z1006 E57
Annuals and Statistics
American Reference Books Annual (ARBA). Z1035.1 A55
Libraries and Information Centers Today. Z673 A5 Y4
Bowker Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac. Z731 A47
Annual Review of Information Science & Technology (ARIST). Z699
A1 A65
Directories
American Library Directory. Z731 A53
Arizona Library Directory. Z732 A7 A73
Gale Directory of Databases. QA76.9 D32 D576
Indexes & Abstracts
Information Science Abstracts. Z699 A1 D6
Library Literature. Z666 .L69 (CD-ROM and FirstSearch)
Library & Information Science Abstracts. Z699 A1 L5
Webster's New International 3rd ed. PE 1625
Random House Dictionary of English Language. Unabridged. PE1625 R3
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language PE 1628 A53
Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary PE 1628 W4
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) (in print and on CD) PE 1625 O87 1989
Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang PE 2846 R36 1994
Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) PE 2843 D52
Roget’s International Thesaurus PE 1591 R73
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus. PE1591 R715
Encyclopedia Americana AE5 E333
Encyclopedia Britannica AE5 E363
Collier's Encyclopedia AE5 C683
Academic American Encyclopedia AE5 A23
New Columbia Encyclopedia 5th ed. AG5 C725
World Book Encyclopedia AE5 W55
Subject Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia of World Art N31 E33
New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians ML100 N48
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences H40 A2 I5
McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology Q121 M3 (newest in Science)
Guide to American Law. KF156 G772
Encyclopedia of Religion. BL31 E46
Encyclopedia of Psychology. BF31 E52 1994
Webster's New Geographical Dictionary G103.5 W42
Times Atlas of the World G1019 T52
Hammond Atlas of the World. G1019 T52
Times Atlas of World History G1030 T54
National Geographic Atlas of the World G1021 N38
Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide. G1200 R36
Directories
Directories in Print AY2001 D57 (desk)
Encyclopedia of Associations HS17 G332 (desk)
Foundation Directory AS911 A2 F65
Handbooks
The Guinness Book of World Records AG243 G87
Famous First Facts. AG5 K3
Chase’s Calendar of Events. D11.5 C48
Chicago Manual of Style Z253 U69
Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR). RS75 P5 (Science)
Masterplots. PN44 M3
Benet’s Reader’s Encyclopedia. PN41 B4
Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. PN43 B65
Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. PN6081 B27
Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. PN6080 095