Introduction

Finding information is an important behavior that you use in answering a customer’s question completely. Having knowledge of the tools and resources is a critical part of the information-finding process. The Subject Resource modules focus on specific areas of a library’s reference and non-fiction collections. The areas are Basic Reference, Business, Community Information, History, Politics, Government & Law, Health, and Science-Technology. The modules have been developed by your colleagues-some are library associates and others have their MLS; all are working daily with customers of all ages, answering their specific information requests.

Each subject resource module is designed to acquaint you with the tools and resources that are available in your local branch/system, including the Internet and electronic databases (accessible via Sailor). The Health subject resource module also introduces the resources of the special collection, the Health Information Center at the Wheaton Branch of the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries.

Learning Goals

The overall goal of the Subject Resource Modules is to help you develop and use strategies to become familiar with a variety of reference tools in multiple subject areas. You will build on the strategies you identified in the Information Finding module and your on-going experiences. Upon completion of the subject resource modules, you will be able to:

1. Describe the organization, features and usefulness of subject resources.
   
   
2. Identify and suggest the kinds of questions the resource(s) can answer.
   
   
3. Utilize the appropriate resource/s to find information that answers the customer’s question.

Task

1. Examine a minimum of 50 resources (books, databases, web sites, etc) from the Basic Reference, Business, Community Information, Health, History, Politics, Government, Law, Science and Technology, Readers' Advisory, and Search Engine categories. Use the modules for guidance in selecting resources. You will enter each resource in your electronic LATI database. The resources may represent print, electronic, audio, video and expert human resources. Also, consider and include resources for a variety of ages--adult, young adult, children--and needs. Add a minimum of three resources a week.
2. Create your Core Collection. After you have completed adding the subject resources, you are ready to create your "core collection." These are resources you might want on a desert island or perhaps, place in a time capsule. You will accomplish this by making the selections from the print, electronic and other resources you entered in your electronic database. Select a minimum of 25 resources for your core collection.

Process

1. 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.
2. Choose resources that are "at your fingertips" - accessible to you.
3. 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 at the resource, consider its candidacy for your core collection.
4. Complete an electronic Subject Resource Form for each resource you identify and examine. 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).
5. Go to My Assignments-->Subject Resources to review your submissions.
6. Select your "core collection" - the top 25 (minimum) items - from all the resources you have examined.
7. Go to the core collection page to view, add to and print your core collection.
8. Reflect on your learning. Share/discuss with your supervisor and post your thoughts and insights in your electronic journal. Consider these open-ended questions:

• How have these modules assisted you in answering customers' questions? What new strategies for finding information/examining materials have you developed?
• How do you feel about your knowledge base of materials?
• How do you feel about your ability to find the answers?
• What is your plan for "growing" your knowledge base and keeping up with new material?

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