EXAMINING AND EVALUATING REFERENCES SOURCES

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EXAMINING AND EVALUATING REFERENCES SOURCES

• Determine the need, then devise an effective
  strategy to locate the information before
  evaluating and prescribing a reference source

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Search Strategies

• Start broadly, break into parts, then narrow
  search
• Consider the most appropriate types of resources
  to consult
• Use the right keywords and subject headings for
  the resources you choose
• Know how to use the reference resources!
• Get the information in the best format
• If necessary, refer to an expert on the subject

3
Search Strategies and Answers

• Patrons Reference Sources - the best place to
  start your search may be with the patron's
  original source.
• Subjects and Terms - successful search strategies
  require a knowledge of subject terms.
• Indexing - indexes are guides to the resources in
  your library and other libraries.
• Look It Up! - do the search, verify the answer,
  and cite your sources.

4
Search Strategies Answers

• Accuracy and Currency - be sure that the
  information you are giving out is correct and
  current.
• Asking Experts - what do you do when an answer
  isn't in the library's collection?
• Information Referral Services - patrons often
  have needs that books alone will not meet.
• Keeping Track - for every reference transaction,
  list the resources used.
• Inform Patrons - an important part of the search
  is keeping the patron informed as you work.

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Evaluating Web Resources

• What can the URL tell you? Is it from an .edu,
  .org, or .gov site, or is it somebody's personal
  page?
• Scan the perimeter of the page, looking for links
  to About, Background, etc.
• Look for last update.
• Look for indicators of quality information, i.e.
  who is responsible for the content of the page
  and are sources documented?
• Are links well-chosen and organized?
• What do others say? Look the page up in a
  reputable directory that evaluates its contents
  (e.g. Librarians' Index, Infomine, About.com)

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Examining Print Resource or Book Examination
Checklist

• Author
• Title
• Volume
• Edition
• Series
• Place of Publication
• Publisher's Name
• Date of Publication
• Foreword or Preface
• Introduction or Instructions for Use
• Table of Contents
• Text
• Appendix
• Glossary
• Index

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Evaluating Web Sites Ohio State University
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ALA Web Site Selection Guide
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ALA Web Site Selection Guide
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ALA Professional Ethics

• We provide the highest level of service to all
  library users through appropriate and usefully
  organized resources equitable service policies
  equitable access and accurate, unbiased, and
  courteous responses to all requests.
• We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom
  and resist all efforts to censor library
  resources.
• We protect each library user's right to privacy
  and confidentiality with respect to information
  sought or received and resources consulted,
  borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
• We recognize and respect intellectual property
  rights.
• We treat co-workers and other colleagues with
  respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate
  conditions of employment that safeguard the
  rights and welfare of all employees of our
  institutions.
• We do not advance private interests at the
  expense of library users, colleagues, or our
  employing institutions.
• We distinguish between our personal convictions
  and professional duties and do not allow our
  personal beliefs to interfere with fair
  representation of the aims of our institutions or
  the provision of access to their information
  resources.
• We strive for excellence in the profession by
  maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and
  skills, by encouraging the professional
  development of co-workers, and by fostering the
  aspirations of potential members of the
  profession.

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PRC Code of Ethics for Professional Librarians
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PRC Code of Ethics for Professional Librarians