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List:       publib
Subject:    Reference experience
From:       MARGARET REINGRUBER <mr0015 () epfl2 ! epflbalto ! org>
Date:       1996-04-29 19:44:20
Message-ID: Pine.3.89.9604291934.F3600-0100000 () nysernet ! org
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Sender: MARGARET REINGRUBER <mr0015@epfl2.epflbalto.org>

As a paraprofessional working as the reference supervisor in my branch, I 
disagree with the idea that librarians must answer all reference 
questions.  Certainly, that is the ideal, but my library system employs 
very few professional librarians.  So the public services staff receives 
training in using model reference behaviors and reference sources.  In 
the last statewide reference survey conducted in MD, our library branch 
made the top 10, out of 80 outlets surveyed.  The #1 library branch in 
the state, in a neighboring county, has no professional librarians at the 
branch.

We all receive some version of the Better Communication=Better Reference 
training developed in MD over the past 10 years or so.

Margaret K. Reingruber
Reference Supervisor
Charles Co. Public Library




> Topic No. 3
> 
> Date: Sun, 28 Apr 1996 16:20:19 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Publib Poster <publll@nysernet.org>
> To: publib@nysernet.org
> Subject: Re: Reference Experience
> Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9604281613.C13730-0100000@nysernet.org>
> 
> 
> Sender: Ann Gordon <AGORDON@CMS.CC.WAYNE.EDU>
> 
> I am not sure why the value placed on correct and complete answers to library
> customers should be a question of the size of the library.  Small town=
> incomplete answers?  I would suggest that the training manual for non-
> MLS staff answering reference questions be of a half page in length.  When in
> doubt, refer the question to the librarian.  If appointments and deferred
> answers are necessary, that will be too bad, but it is a true reflection of
> what is required for quality library service.  Except for directional
> questions and confirmation of a title listing or whether a book is overdue
> and how much the fine, etc.  I really cannot think of many questions that
> should/could be answered by non-MLS "librarians" acting as reference infor-
> mation intermediaries.
> rs the librarian.  Except for directional questions, confirmation
> of a title in the database or catalog
> 
> 
> ************************
> 

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