NSW public library wiki

Module 11 Young Adults (Reference Excellence)

Suggested answers for module 11 exercises

Discuss the questions with your supervisor, trainer or colleagues.

Exercises for young adults

1. Check your library's collection development policy regarding resources for young adults.
2. What kind of materials which relate to reference are collected for young adults?
3. Does your library collect textbooks and study guides?
4. What eBooks are available through your library to suit young adults?

Check your website and Intranet in case you have one. It may also still be available in print, check your catalogue. You may need to talk with your Collection's staff.

Use Google Advanced to find information on

• a recent current event
• an authoritative free online tutorial on photoshop
• an authoritative article on breast cancer

Search the same topic on one of the NSW.net databases. What type of information did you find in each search? (note you may not get results on both platforms for all topics)

Hint

If your library has an app you might like to try it too to see how searching it compares.

Exercises for high school curriculum and HSC Do these exercises on high school and HSC support materials.

1. Look in the catalogue - what subject headings are used for school and HSC resources?
2. Look at the shelves - do you have a separate school and HSC collection?
3. Look at online resources - which databases and websites are the most relevant for students?
4. Does your library use mobile apps to access your catalogue and collection?
5. What eBooks can students access through your library?

Discuss your findings with your colleagues or supervisor.

Hint

How easy were these for you to find?

Exercises for readers' advisory

1. Use the catalogue to find picture books suitable for young adult readers. What subject headings are in the record?
2. Find a book about Minecraft or Lego suitable for a 13 year old. What additional resource would you suggest you library purchase on either of these topics?
3. What coding resources does you library hold or have access to that would suit Young adult readers?
4. How would you go about satisfying a request for a historical novel for a young adult reader? List three titles.
5. What 'self help' guides are available in the library for young adults who prefer to search independently without staff intervention?
6. Use the library catalogue to locate any resources suitable for young adults with English as a second language.
7. Access your library's Novelist subscription and search for a read-a-like young adult novel for The Hunger Games. How many titles did you find?

Discuss your findings with your colleagues or supervisor.

What have you learned

• Don't be afraid of assisting young adults.
• Present a welcoming and approachable persona.
• An awareness of young adult collections.
• To establish a great working relationship with the young adult staff.

What to do when you finish the module…

When you have completed the exercises for this module, you may want to talk to your colleagues or supervisor about them.

Please fill out and submit evaluation form

Reference excellence - self paced reference and information services training

About ref-ex

Module 1 Overview of the reference process ref-ex

Module 2 Reference interview skills and question types ref-ex

Module 3 People skills, reference behaviours ref-ex

Module 4 Search strategies ref-ex

Module 5 Reference resources ref-ex

Module 6 Ethics and legislation ref-ex

Module 7 Roving reference ref-ex

Module 8 Local studies ref-ex

Module 9 Family history ref-ex

Module 10 Children ref-ex

Module 11 Young Adults ref-ex

Module 12 Corporate Library Services ref-ex

Module 13 Technology reference services ref-ex.