Faculty Publications

Flexibility And Feedback: A New Approach To Ongoing Training For Reference Student Assistants

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Academic Libraries, Reference services, Students, Training techniques, Workplace training

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Reference Services Review

Volume

29

Issue

1

First Page

53

Last Page

64

Abstract

Scheduling conflicts and budget deficits forced the termination of a classroom-format training program for student assistants serving at a university library general reference desk. In its place has arisen a year-round alternative approach to training that combines individualized instruction, hands-on learning, scavenger hunts, and regular review of reference desk policies, practices, and procedures. This reincarnated undergraduate student assistant training program now allows for ongoing practice and increased feedback. Additional benefits of this new training program include greater student-student and student-staff interactions, the flexibility to quickly address perceived problems, and the ability to rapidly focus on new reference tools and reference policies. © 2001, MCB UP Limited

Department

Rod Library

Original Publication Date

3-1-2001

DOI of published version

10.1108/00907320110366813

Link to Full Text

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