Introduction

Community Information is organized knowledge about:

• Agency and organization programs and services, including fees, hours and facilities
• Names and numbers relating to agencies and organizations
• Dates, time and locations of meeting and events
• Contact names, addresses, etc., for people.

Community referral may include:

• A community information database
• Twenty-four hour information and referral line
• Dial-in, electronic/Internet access to community resources files
• Counseling and follow-up tracking service
• Three-way telephone capabilities to link users with service agencies and organizations

A Library that offers community referral addresses the need for information related to services provided by community agencies and organizations.

Learning Goals

This subject resource module will acquaint you with community information resources available to Maryland residents from their local public library and the Maryland Share Community Information database, accessible on the Internet at www.marylandshare.org

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Use state and local online community information databases.
   
   
2. Use a search engine to locate community information databases for communities outside of Maryland.

Task

Examine your local library’s, Maryland Share and other cities’ community information databases and complete Practice Assignments One through Three. Print/Bring your completed practices to the session. We will discuss the practices during class.

Examine the resources (books, databases, web sites, etc.) for this module. The resources may include print, electronic, audio, video and expert human resources. Also, consider and include resources for a variety of ages - adult, young adult, children - and needs. Enter at least 1 resource for this subject using the Subject Resource form.

Process

1. Use your system’s online community information database to complete Community Information Practice #1. If your library does not have an online database, use one from a neighboring county library.
   
   
2. Use the Maryland Share online community information database to complete Community Information Practice # 2.
   
   
3. Use your favorite search engine to locate a community information database to complete Community Information Practice #3
   
   
4. Review the strategies (those you identified in the Finding Information module) for examining a resource/reference tool. Add to the list any additional strategies you’ve identified.
5. Choose resources that are "at your fingertips" - accessible to you.
6. Examine the resources using the strategies for examining a resource. Conduct an "on-the-fly" exam of the resources and then complete a second, more in-depth review. As you look the resource, consider its candidacy for your core collection.
7. Complete an electronic Subject Resource Form for at least one community information database resource in this module. Include a practice question /answer and be sure to cite the page number or specify the exact URL (copy/paste the URL on the form).
8. Reflect on your learning. Share/discuss with your supervisor and post your thoughts and insights in your electronic journal. Consider:
   • How have these modules assisted you in answering customers' questions;
   • New strategies for finding information/examining materials you have developed;
   • Your thoughts about your knowledge base of materials?
   • Your ability to find the answers.

Questions

Contact me if you have any questions and need anything clarified. The purpose of these modules is to start you on the path of developing your knowledge base of your library’s collection and other resources you can use to answer customer’s questions. Enjoy the journey!

Email: coordinator@latimd.org