Enrollment options
Optional Print Course Material: Librarianship: Genealogy Reference Interview
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
The special nature of the field of genealogy creates unique challenges to the genealogy librarian during the reference interview. Librarians must successfully navigate this process in order to offer effective and quality service to the researcher.
This course provides tools and strategies for assisting
genealogists, including direction for analyzing questions,
locating sources, and matching them to the needs of the patron.
It draws on case studies and examples for students to interpret
questions and decode materials. The course work includes
application of the text to individual libraries and methods for
evaluating and improving service.
Course Length: 10 weeks
MODULE 1
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FOR GENEALOGISTS
Introduction
The Effective Genealogy Reference Interview
Cycle of the Genealogy Reference Interview
MODULE 2
THE PATRONS
Clarifying the Question
Determine Patron Level
User Identification
MODULE 3
THE QUESTIONS
Clarifying the Question … continued
Directional Requests
Knowledge-Based Strategies
Methodology
MODULE 4
COMMON SOURCES
Finding Sources
The Guides
The Data
MODULE 5
CONNECTING PATRONS WITH SOURCES - PART 1
Knowing the Collection & Access Points - Matching Sources and Patrons
MODULE 6
CONNECTING PATRONS WITH SOURCES - PART 2
Knowing the Collection & Access Points - Matching Sources and Patrons
Search Strategies
MODULE 7
PRACTICUM
Practicum Outline
MODULE 8
INTERPRETING MATERIALS: DECODING INTERMEDIARY SOURCES
Assisting with Sources
MODULE 9
PATRON SATISFACTION & CHALLENGES
Determining Patron Satisfaction
BARRIERS THAT LIBRARIANS CREATE