Reference
Reference services continue to evolve with changing patron needs and with varied information resources and formats. Libraries continue to provide unparalleled reference using traditional and emerging tools, formats and resources. Explore topics such as answering health and legal questions, reaching out beyond the reference desk, and innovations in digital or virtual reference.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Photo: Austin Kleon, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Most Recently Added
Crowdsourcing Alternatives to "There Are No Stupid Questions"
News / Last Modified: 12 April 2019
Libraries are a place for finding answers, but first come the questions. Whether working at the reference desk or teaching a class, you've likely had more than a handful of patrons approach you to say, "I have a stupid question." My respons...
Is That Real? A Crash Course in Verifying Online Content
Webinar / Last Modified: 12 April 2019
In this webinar with the News Literacy Project, learn about tools and skills needed to verify the authenticity of user-generated content, and explore ways to share this information with teen and adult patrons.
When I’m 64: Financial Literacy Resources for Those Nearing and in Retirement
Webinar / Last Modified: 19 February 2019
This webinar will explore free financial literacy resources for older adults, provided by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and share library programming ideas for patrons related to financial planning and fraud protection.
"How Do I Apply to College?" Helping Patrons Meet Their Higher Education Goals
Webinar / Last Modified: 28 June 2018
A webinar designed to enhance library reference services in support of all types of college-bound students.
Libraries Help Patrons Become Financially Empowered Consumers
Webinar / Last Modified: 14 June 2018
In this webinar, learn about the financial education resources you can use with your patrons, made available by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
Wikipedian in Residence Stops By
News / Last Modified: 22 May 2018
Wikipedia has been a lively subject of debate ever since it hit the public space, and as the tool has grown and adapted, the discussion has evolved from whether it should be used at all to how it can be used more effectively.
Max Klein, a...
Librarians are Wikipedians Too
Webinar / Last Modified: 22 May 2018
Archive and related resources for a webinar presented on August 2, 2012 with Max Klein overviewing past efforts and future potential of libraries and librarians working with Wikipedia.
Citations Needed: Build Your Wikipedia Skills While Building the World’s Encyclopedia
Webinar / Last Modified: 08 March 2018
Gain an understanding of the inner workings of Wikipedia and learn how to participate in the #1lib1ref campaign to improve the online encyclopedia used by information-seekers around the world.
Librarians Who Wikipedia: Jean King
News / Last Modified: 28 February 2018
When Jean King, an adult reference librarian at West Hempstead Public Library, registered for the Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together online training course, she'd never edited Wikipedia before. "It's a popular reference that frequently comes...
Wikipedia for Libraries: Preview the Possibilities, Discover the Opportunities
Webinar / Last Modified: 11 January 2018
This webinar highlights how you can use Wikipedia to connect more people to your collections and creatively engage your community members.
