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 Content
Module 1
Special Applications For Genealogists
The Effective Reference Interview
Cycle of the Reference Interview
Module 2
The Patrons
Clarifying the Question
Determine Patron Level
Beginning Genealogists
Experienced Researchers
New Patrons
Specialized Researchers
User Identification
Module 3
The Questions
Directional Requests
Knowledge-Based Strategies
Methodology
Module 4
Common Sources
Finding Sources
The Guides
Reference guides
Genealogical and occupational dictionaries
Historical maps and gazetteers
Guides to genealogical repositories
Guides to records
Guides to publishing family histories or documenting and citing evidence
The Data
Census records
Passenger lists
Land ownership records
Family history periodicals
Module 5
Connecting Patrons with Sources - Part 1
Knowing the Collection & Access Points - Matching Sources and Patrons
Searching for Materials without using Call Numbers or a Catalog
Using Intermediary Tools Other than the Catalog
Searching for Materials Using a Catalog
Functionality
Keyword Searching
Browsing Functions
System Defaults
Customized Subject Fields
Exclusions
Module 6
Connecting Patrons with Sources - Part 2
Knowing the Collection & Access Points - Matching Sources and Patrons
Search Strategies
Module 7
Practicum
Module 8
Interpreting Materials: Decoding Intermediary Sources
Assisting With Sources
Check the Front of the Book
Work Backwards
Consult Sources External to the Index
Understand Various Types of Coding Systems
Module 9
Patron Satisfaction & Challenges
Determining Patron Satisfaction
Patrons with unrealistic expectations
Patrons that fail to request the assistance they need
Patrons that lack the basic skills/information to conduct research
Patrons that wont give up
Barriers that Librarians Create
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