become familiar with print and web-based reference resources.

To identify the basic types of reference sources and

understand the nature and purpose of each

To understand the browse method of locating reference sources

To understand the OPAC and Internet methods of locating

reference sources

Locate one reference item from each of the ten basic types of

reference sources by the OPAC and browsing methods

Locate one topic related reference item which is web-based

Locate one topic related reference item by the OPAC

Locate one topic related reference item by browsing

Review and discussion of handout which lists basic reference

types and Internet sites

Instructor demonstration of OPAC and Internet methods for

locating references sources, with students following along

at their desk computers

On-site visit to reference area and work on the reference

assignment

-2-

sessions. The first session introduces students to the

assignment, the types of reference sources and the purpose of

each, and the browse method for locating reference sources.

The lecture and discussion are designed around the items listed

on the handout and the questions of the assignment so that by

having the handout and assignment at hand, students can readily

see how the information presented by the instructor directly

applies to the tasks they will be required to perform. An on-

site visit to the reference area allows the instructor to

show where reference materials are located and how they are

organized. The students become actively engaged with reference

items by beginning work on the assignment onsite. The analogy

of a carpenter’s toolbox is used to explain the importance of

matching tools to needs.

The second session is a demo and follow-along, where various

web sites are explored (including the library’s home page) using

the list of best Internet reference sites from the handout. The

instructor demonstrates the OPAC and Internet methods by

performing actual searches at the console using the large-screen

projection equipment provided.

As a change of pace, I place a few carefully selected reference

cartoons on the Elmo or throw out a famous quote for discussion.

My favorite reference quote is by Samuel Johnson (1709-1784):

"Knowledge is of two kinds: we know a subject ourselves, or we

know where we can find information upon it."

The third session is a lab for the students to finish the

assignment and ask any questions of the instructor.