Ohio Reference
Excellence
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Instructions
Working with the ORE Modules
Page Contents
 Layout
Descriptions
of Modules
Pacing,
discuss with supervisor
Navigating
Layout of the Modules
Ohio Reference Excellence material on most pages is followed
by an exercise. ORE examples, stories, links, photos, and other supplemental information
are in the right sidebar, as they are on this page. All exercises for a specific module
may be printed from the Print Choices page if you would
like a hard copy to take with you while working on the exercises around the library.
Where to Start?
Module Descriptions
Work through all modules in order if you're new, or jump to the modules you need as a
refresher.
Reference Services Overview. What it is. Why it's important. Who needs it. Who does it.
A brief introduction to skills you will learn in the rest of the modules. The place to
start if you have no reference experience.
Reference Interviews. The step of the reference process that determines real
information needs. How to start. How to stop. Tips for remote reference service, the users you can't see or hear. How to find out what patrons REALLY
want to know!
What you DO is as important as what you SAY. Model behaviors - recommended actions.
Working with People. Tricky situations. Special people. Too many people! Face to face, phone to phone, and even email people.
Strategies for Basic Reference Searching. Using the best search engine. Subject headings, indexing, interlibrary
loan, and other library mysteries. Importance of accuracy. When to refer. Keeping track.
Evaluating and examining reference resources. Basic types of resources and recommended
lists of examples available in most libraries. Dewey lite. Navigating cyberspace.
Reference Ethics. Ethics are not optional! Professional context for reference. Freedom
to Read, Library Bill of Rights, and more. Implications of reference work in a democratic
society.
Supervisors and Self-Pacing
Discuss your plans to complete the modules with your
supervisor. The supervisor will want to read the Supervisor Tips
page beforehand to review supervisor instructions and to get information on official recognition for completing the modules.
Work through one module at a time. Do the exercises. Let it
sink in. Practice. Practice some more. Work through the module again if everything is new,
and you need more time with the material. Go to the next module only when you feel ready.
If you need a quick glance back at an earlier module, use the links in the sidebars or at
the bottom of the page.
Navigating
The following navigation aids help you move around in the
modules.
- The modules have unique names, numbers, and colors. Number links to each module are at
left, top, and bottom of each page.
- ORE module links on the left side have a symbol to indicate the current page.
- When you really need to know where you are in life, "you are here" links are
provided at the bottom of module pages. (Once you leave the computer, though, you're on
your own!)
- Use the Site Index to see a list of all module contents or find
your way back to a specific page from an earlier module.
Get Started -- Choose a module number, and good luck!      
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Project consultant, content authoring, annual revision, instructional
and web design: Deana Noack Web Design, edited by
Jennyann Noack, 2000-2007. ORE on the Web was commissioned by OLC with support from the State Library of Ohio and based on ORE Manual.
Work through the six modules in order...
or jump to the modules you need as a refresher. Spend as much time as you need on each.
Link to any module from another for a quick review.
If your reference training is up to date, and you have lots of
experience, feel free to click through and enjoy the photos and shared experiences! Some
photos have larger images. Click on linked photos to see them.
Eldorado Library, Preble County District Library
Or, if you enjoy a challenge that will keep your skills fresh, scan through the pages and
test yourself on each of the exercises and quizzes.
Whose staff?
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Overview
Interviews
People
Strategies
Sources
Ethics