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LIS203Education2 Unitsintermediate

Reference & Information Services

This course introduces the concept of Reference and Information Services, exploring its practices in libraries and information centers. It covers key areas such as reference service theories, information attributes, and the scope of reference services. Students will learn about direct and indirect reference services, reference sources evaluation, and the integration of ICT and social media. The course aims to equip students with the skills to assist users in retrieving information effectively.

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45h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Reference ServicesInformation RetrievalLibrary ResourcesICT in LibrariesReference Interview

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Reference Service Theories

2

Information Attributes

3

Scope of Reference Services

4

Direct and Indirect Reference Services

5

Reference Sources Evaluation

6

ICT in Reference Services

7

Social Media in Libraries

8

Reference Interview Techniques

9

Models for Reference Services

10

Bibliography Compilation

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Reference Librarian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Knowledge Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Academic LibrariesPublic LibrariesSpecial LibrariesInformation CentersResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Information

2 study hours

•Define information and differentiate it from data and knowledge.
•Discuss Buckland's characterization of information as process, knowledge, and thing.
•Identify and explain the different types of information according to J.H. Shera.

Week

2

Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts

2h

Unit 2: Concept of Reference and Information Service

2 study hours

•Explain the concept of reference service and its importance in libraries.
•Discuss the role and qualities of a reference librarian.
•Define information services and their objectives.

Week

3

Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts

2h

Unit 3: Scope and Functions of Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Determine the scope of reference and information services.
•Explain the factors that determine the scope of reference and information services.
•Discuss the functions of reference and information service and the roles of the reference librarian.

Week

4

Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service

2h

Unit 1: Levels and Theories of Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Discuss ready reference service and long range reference service.
•Explain conservative, liberal, and moderate theories of reference service.
•Analyze Fosket's theory and Rostein's theory.

Week

5

Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service

2h

Unit 2: Types of Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Define direct reference and information service.
•Discuss the various direct reference and information services, such as readers' advisory and research consulting.
•Define indirect reference and information service and discuss its types.

Week

6

Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service

2h

Unit 3: Nature of Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Explain the nature of reference and information service.
•Account for the changes in reference and information service provision due to technology.
•Discuss the impact of ICT on library services.

Week

7

Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 1 : Concept and Types of Reference Sources and Resources

2 study hours

•State the meaning of reference sources and resources.
•Highlight the characteristics of reference sources and resources.
•Identify and discuss the various types of reference sources and resources, including atlases, biographies, and encyclopedias.

Week

8

Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 2 : Criteria for Evaluating Reference Sources

2 study hours

•Identify the variety of criteria used for information resources evaluation.
•Explain the techniques for evaluating printed sources, including author, publisher, and date of publication.
•Discuss the criteria for evaluating web resources, such as credibility and currency.

Week

9

Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 3: Compilation of Bibliography

2 study hours

•Define bibliography and its functions.
•List and discuss the types of bibliography, including national, trade, and subject bibliographies.
•Explain the reasons for compiling a bibliography and the steps involved.

Week

10

Module 4: Reference Interview and Models for Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 1: Reference Interview

2 study hours

•Define the term Reference Interview.
•Identify the basic guidelines for a successful reference interview, including visibility and approachability.
•Explain the importance of listening and inquiring during the interview process.

Week

11

Module 4: Reference Interview and Models for Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 2: Models for Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Identify the types of models used to provide reference and information services.
•Discuss how face-to-face, tiered, roving, and appointment models aid reference and information service delivery in the library.
•Explain the benefits of service to remote users.

Week

12

Module 5: ICT Application and Reference and Information Services

4h

Unit 1: Information and Communication Technology and Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Define Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
•Identify the types of ICT tools used for reference and Information services, such as email and videoconferencing.
•Enumerate the benefits of ICT use in reference and information services.

Unit 2: Online Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Define the concept of Online Reference and Information Services.
•Highlight the various types of Online Reference and Information Services.
•Discuss the ethical issues in Online Reference Service.

Week

13

Module 5: ICT Application and Reference and Information Services

2h

Unit 3: Application of ICT in Reference and Information Services

2 study hours

•Discuss the ICT tools used in Reference and Information Services.
•Identify the various social media use in Reference and Information Services.
•Demonstrate how various social media are used for reference and information services.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-3 to understand the evolution of reference services.

2

Practice reference interview techniques from Unit 10 with peers to improve communication skills.

3

Review evaluation criteria from Unit 8 and apply them to sample reference sources.

4

Compile practice bibliographies using different citation styles (APA, MLA) from Unit 9.

5

Focus on ICT tools and social media applications from Units 16-18 and their practical uses.

6

Review all TMAs and their feedback to identify areas needing further study.

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