[Publib] answering reference questions without MLS

[Rebecca Carden]

Hi Rhonda,

A few years ago I was in that type of position: my primary responsibility was providing 
Reference service.   During quieter times at the desk I created helpful brochures for the 
public--I focused on popular topics like Gardening websites, WWII Fiction, and Internet 
Safety.  

I also recommended titles for purchase--and recommended titles for weeding. I put together 
monthly book displays to promote different areas of the collection.  

For the most part I worked the Reference desk my entire shift; I typically received one 
afternoon per week off of the desk to work on involved projects.  (I wouldn't necessarily 
recommend that type of schedule--as much as I love working the Reference desk, 8 hours 
per day can be exhausting.)  As I only had a B.S. at the time, my title was referred to 
interchangeably as Reference Paraprofessional or Reference Specialist.

The Library system I worked for was attentive to my continuing education needs: I attended 
several workshops which provided me with a crash course in various aspects of Reference 
service.  MLS librarians within my Library and a neighboring library were wonderful mentors.  
(In case anyone's wondering, the MLS librarians within my library were the Director, the 
Head Cataloger and the Head of Youth Services).

Hope this helps!

Rebecca


Rebecca Carden
Branch Manager
DeMotte Public Library
P.O. Box 16
901 Birch Street SW
DeMotte, IN 46310
phone: 219-987-2221
fax: 219-987-2220
www.jasperco.lib.in.us
"To Inform, Enrich & Empower"

 

On 1 Nov 2006 at 15:33, Rhonda Konig wrote:

> 
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Do any of you have staff positions at your library in which the duties include answering reference 
> questions, but do not require an MLS? If you do, what do you call this position and what other 
> responsibilities do these staff members have?
> 
> Thank you!
> 
> Rhonda Konig
> Reference Department Head
> Wayne County Public Library
> Goldsboro, NC
> 
> 
> 
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