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Review of Module FiveResourcesWhat have you learned?Know the types of reference tools available to you and when they are useful. Examining and evaluating resources and keeping up with new resources is critical to providing current, accurate information to patrons. Become familiar with essential and recommended resources, at least, and know how to use the catalog and indexes to locate other sources. A basic understanding of the arrangement of your library, usually by Dewey, will help you find materials on the shelves. Suggestions for examining, evaluating and locating resources also apply to Internet resources and other online resources in your library and to the electronic databases available through OPLIN. Make use of the local information that your library may be keeping, such as pamphlet files and genealogy sources. Do the following to review:
Think of the world as your resource and do not feel you are
limited to "reference books" or Web sites. Understand the parts of a reference
book and examine them thoroughly for effective use. Know how to evaluate Web sites. The catalog can be your most effective reference tool. The
catalog is an organized list of the library's collection and helps you find resources in
different ways. Consider ways to connect the catalog to Web resources. Different types or kinds of resources serve very different
purposes. Typical examples of reference books are Bibliography, Encyclopedias and
Dictionaries, Almanacs, Directories, Gazetteers, Handbooks, Indices, Manuals, Periodicals,
etc. Encyclopedias and almanacs are good resources to use when you are unfamiliar with a
topic. Specific resource lists are provided at three levels:
essential resources, recommended resources, and useful resources. Identify and familiarize
yourself with as many of these as possible and look at new editions as they arrive. Use
reliable Web guides to recommended sites. Library resources are often arranged by Dewey. Understand what subjects are represented by the call numbers. Dewey can be used to organize bookmarks for favorite Web sites and online guides to Web sites. The "100" Subdivisions of the Dewey Decimal System are:
Major Point: Understanding the Dewey arrangement in your library will help you find resources. Many indexes and directories are
available as stand-alone databases, through OPLIN (The Ohio Public Library
Information Network), or through the Internet. Web sites may have helpful content, often directly from the
source such as government agencies, health organizations, universities, and other
educational institutions. Some web sites provide carefully chosen and indexed guides to
other web sites. Many libraries provide organized lists of recommended sites for staff and
patrons. In addition to reference resources and online resources, keep
files of pamphlets, maps, articles, etc. to answer questions that patrons ask often. Save
yourself time and serve your patrons better by not re-doing work already done, and by
anticipating questions you will be asked. Consider establishing databases of answers and
FAQs for the library Web site. Know what resources are available in your library and know when and how to use and evaluate them.
What to do when you finish the quiz...When you have completed the exercises and quiz for this module, take
them to your supervisor.
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