Reference Training and Resources

"Reference transactions are information consultations in which library staff recommend, interpret, evaluate and/or use information resources to help others to meet particular information needs." -- Definition from the Reference and User Services Association of ALA

The following is a synopsis of the reference competency levels we expect University Library staff to have upon completion of their new hire training.  For a more detailed description of each of these levels, including when to refer library patrons to other staff, please review the document below.

Student Workers should be able to:

• Guide library patrons to the appropriate research guide, database, etc.
• Briefly explain to library patrons how to navigate the guide, database, etc.

Library Specialists and Associates should be able to:

• Complete actions outlined for student workers
• Show library patrons basic search techniques, provide keyword help, and troubleshoot
• Find most of the articles or most of the sources relevant to the patron's topic

Librarians should be able to:

• Complete actions outlined above for student workers, library specialists and associates
• Provide in depth help searching subject specific resources when relevant sources are still needed despite trying all of the methods outlined above

Student workers, library specialists and library associates are welcome to provide more assistance than what is outlined above based on their comfort level.