Teaching reference today : new directions, novel approaches

Reference and Information Services, if it may still be referred to by this term, is an evolving outreach service in libraries. This is not only due to Google and the Internet, but also other technological advances afford users online access to a plethora of content, free and proprietary. This evolution has also caused a shift in the theories and practices (especially, core functions and values) of reference and information services as library schools seek greater alignment with practitioners and libraries on the forefront of these changes. As academics and practitioners work together to educate library students on the kinds of changes happening in reference and information services, they are rethinking their curriculum and assignments to incorporate real-world challenges adaptive to user needs. Likewise, libraries may work through their regional library consortia to plan professional development workshops or training sessions to teach new skills and methods of approach required for such changing services. Here's a tool for library school instructors, library students, professional development instructors, and current librarians poised to change, which specifically addresses the pedagogy of reference and information services in flux. It will help answer questions such as: -How may we better educate a new and current generation of reference and information service professionals, given the challenges they will likely encounter? -What kinds of assignments could be devised to better promote active learning in a transformative field like reference and information services? -What new approaches or theories could be applied to assist library professionals in meeting the informational needs of users?

Part I. Evolution of reference values and roles -- Plus ca change : instilling foundational values within evolving reference service pedagogy / Miriam Matteson (Kent State University, Ohio), Donald Boozer (Cleveland Public Library), Cynthia Boyden (Consultant for State Library of Ohio) -- Repositioning reference librarians as agents of change : approaches to socially responsible critical information literacy in the LIS curriculum / Michael Courtney (Indiana University at Bloomington) -- Partner in the process : redefining reference to create an integrated educational experience / Ashley Cole, Cindy Judd and Brad Marcum (Eastern Kentucky University) -- Job-embedded training and specialized skills to support new librarians in higher education : a case study from a liberal arts college / Kasia Gonnerman and Maglen Epstein (St. Olaf College, Minnesota) -- Part II. Teaching theoretical approaches to reference -- The cognitive apprenticeship : an approach to teaching and learning virtual reference / Margaret H. Smith and Nicole E. Brown (New York University) -- High-impact experiences : using teaching and learning theories in reference / Yvonne Nalani Meulemans (California State University, San Marcos) -- Reference 360 : a holistic approach to reference instruction / Carol A. Daul-Elhindi and Tammi M. Owens (Winona State University, Minnesota) -- Intentional politeness : using communication theory to enhance reference service / Carol A. Leibiger and Alan W. Aldrich (University of South Dakota) -- Part III. Design considerations for teaching reference -- Designing course assignments for teaching reference online / Xiaoai Ren and Anita L. Ondrusek (Valdosta State University, Georgia) -- Preparing LIS students to create content for reference / Stacy Creel (University of Southern Mississippi) -- The value of reference : teaching assessment strategies / Kelly Bradish (University of Pittsburg, Greensburg) -- Designing a reference course for undergraduates and paraprofessionals / Elizabeth H. Brown (Central Washington University) -- Part IV. Training paraprofessionals for reference and information services -- Training paraprofessionals to provide excellent information service : the King County Library System experience / Terry McQuown (King County Library System, Washington State) -- Stronger together : partnering with paraprofessionals to meet reference needs / Jennie Simning (Hennepin Technical College, Minnesota), Erika Bennett (Capella University, Minnesota) -- We're all reference providers : online cross-training at the shared help desk / Allison Faix (Coastal Carolina University, South Carolina), Amanda Kraft (Horry Georgetown Technical College, South Carolina) -- Reconfiguring reference service : a case study at a small college library / Ruth M. Owens (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) -- Reference training for paraprofessionals at a single-service desk / Paul Moffet and Mindy M. Cooper (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) -- Part V. Exploring reference education : here and beyond -- The future reference librarians and the ASEAN integration 2015 / Marian Ramos-Eclevia and Roselle S. Maestro (De La Salle University, Philippines) -- 'Material-mind-method' : exploring the teaching of reference through a quarterly column / Loriene Roy (University of Texas at Austin).