Statement of Competency I
Use service concepts, principles and techniques that facilitate information access, relevance, and accuracy for individuals or groups of users.
An overwhelming amount of information is available via the internet, databases and other electronic sources. The traditional library can also be an intimidating place for people to seek information. A librarian is responsible for navigating through this flood of data to find the most relevant, reliable, accurate information and supply access to information seekers. Reference librarians are at the front line in a library to steer patrons towards authoritative resources. The reference interview is also an opportune time to make patrons feel at ease with the library environment and navigation of databases. Databases themselves are critical in bringing legitimate information to seekers. The ability to understand how these databases function is also a key concept for librarians to bring information to users. This statement touches on several concepts, principles and techniques that bring information to those who seek it.
Concepts
Concepts in providing access, relevance and accuracy fall into several dimensions. Information seekers must be taught the difference between legitimate resources and those which may contain misinformation. Educating the patron on all available resources of information is also necessary. Patrons may not be familiar with the multitude of databases available via library websites or other electronic resources. Pathfinders and research guides are an excellent way to connect a client with reviewed resources for their specific research needs.
The evidentiary items, Pathfinder and Pathfinder Analysis, gave me the valuable skills to create a pathfinder. Through this LIBR 210 assignment, I learned how to evaluate materials that would be best for a specific user group. The pathfinder works to bring pertinent information resources to a student or researcher studying horror film. Print, electronic and archival resources were vetted to bring the most relevant resources to my user model. Pathfinders are a wonderful tool to give patrons a jargon free guide to the information sources most applicable to their needs.
Principles
Service principles are outlined in the RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers . This publication guides librarians to facilitate interpersonal and searching behavior that is to be used with patrons in their information search. These principles ensure patrons feel comfortable asking for help from the reference desk. Librarians can achieve this by being approachable and interested in the query, performing timely and accurate searches and following up with the patron.
The evidentiary item from LIBR 210 (Reference and Information Services), Reference Interview Observations, allowed me to watch how accurately reference librarians conduct face-to-face and digital reference interviews. Librarian behavior is compared to RUSA and IFLA guidelines in how well they lead patrons to relevant and accurate information. Information seekers today often turn search engines such as Google or wikis that may return suspect information. The job of the librarian is to provide legitimate sources of information to a user in a professional manner. I was able to learn through positive and negative user experiences how to provide information to patrons.
Techniques
A skill sometimes overlooked by librarians in providing access to relevant information is the ability to use and design databases. I have garnered experience in my job as a business analyst in database analysis, retrieval and development. The technique of database design can gives access to reports that a library can use to analyze circulation and other helpful statistics. The statistics can be used to build a better collection, thereby increasing patronage. The ability to link the database to the library’s public website can give potential patrons access the catalog remotely and even extend a check out period from the comfort of home. Database management systems are a powerful tool in connecting journal articles and other research materials to users across the globe. Libraries may also vastly increase this resource by forming collaborations and consortial relationships with other libraries.
Through LIBR 242 (Database Management) coursework, I learned the best practices to design, implement and manage relational databases for use in a library environment. My final from this class, Database Management Interview, illustrates my expertise in implementing a relational database for a university. This mock interview made me think of the best practices in a real world situation in bringing access to library databases to the public. Building this type of system enables browsing of the library’s catalog via the internet, expanding access. Accurate query results are addressed in relation to system response and connectivity issues. I also expound on how web applications increases outreach and provide users with the ability to conduct an interlibrary loan and increase accesses to legitimate sources like JSTOR.