NSW public library wiki

Module 13 Technology reference services (Reference Excellence)

Suggested answers for Module 13 exercises - Discuss the questions and your answers with your supervisor, trainer or colleagues.

Using a reference interview in a technology context

Refer to Module 2 Reference interview skills and question types for guidance on conducting a reference interview - the same principles apply to a technology reference interview.

1. Think about the types of questions you could be asked about technology.
2. Ask your colleagues and supervisor what kinds of technology related questions they have encountered?
3. Talk with your colleagues or supervisor about how using a reference interview will help you know the right kind of help to provide.
4. What ideas did you learn from looking at technology reference interview

Think about: - Where are the gaps in your skills and understanding? What aspects of the reference interview were useful in the technology context? What barriers did you find to answering technology questions? Is there specific 'technology' terminology that you found confusing? Were there new concepts you learned about undertaking these exercises? How many ebook platforms have you discovered?

Technology skills

Fill in the technology proficiency check list.

How does your proficiency measure up?

Discuss this with your supervisor. Ask what training is available for you in this area.

Accessing resources

1. Do you have an app for patrons to access your library catalogue?
2. What apps are available via your library website. What passwords are required?
3. Note the steps to use both Android and iPhone to access two apps your library subscribes to e.g. an ebook, a library app. If your library has devices you can use - demonstrate to a colleague.
4. What suggestions do you have to make access easier for library patrons?
5. Download one of the following Government apps - ATO, Services NSW, MyGov

insert info

What to do when you finish the module…

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

Please fill out and submit the 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