This book is a user-friendly guide for K–12 librarians, teachers, and school library media specialists that covers all major areas in reference, from the reference interview to encyclopedias and dictionaries. Like the previous editions of this successful title, Reference Skills for the School Librarian: Tools and Tips, Third Edition provides essential information on reference in the school library, now updated to accommodate the quickly evolving technologies within the field. Written specifically for K–12 librarians and teachers, the authors present helpful tools and easily applied strategies for every major area in reference, from the reference interview to encyclopedias and dictionaries. This textbook teaches basic reference processes, sources, services, and skills; and provides authentic, real-world school library media reference scenarios as well as exercises for reflection and guided application in today's reference world.

Table of Contents:
Contents PART 1: WHAT IS REFERENCE ALL ABOUT? * Chapter 1: Reference and the School Library: An Overview Introduction Information Inquiry and Reference Services The Reference Process Reference, Information Literacy, and Information Inquiry Information Inquiry, Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, and the Common Core Curriculum Standards Research Problem-Solving Processes and Models The Information-Seeking Process and Developmental Issues Reference and the Technology Connection Conclusion Useful Web Sites * Chapter 2: Selection, Evaluation, and Maintenance of the Reference Collection Introduction What Do You Need?-The Selection Process How Do You Know If It's Good?-The Evaluation Process Collection Organization and Maintenance Conclusion * PART 2: NUTS AND BOLTS * Chapter 3: Bibliographies Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Webliography * Chapter 4: Directories, Almanacs, Yearbooks, and Handbooks Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Webliography * Chapter 5: Biographical Sources Introduction Types of Biographical Sources Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Current Biographical Dictionaries Native American Biography Sources and Literary Criticism Retrospective Biographical Dictionaries Conclusion Webliography and Additional Examples of Online Biographical Resources * Chapter 6: Dictionaries and Encyclopedias Dictionaries Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Webliography Encyclopedias Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Useful Web Sites * Chapter 7: Geographical Sources Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Additional Online Geographical Resources Webliography * Chapter 8: Electronic Indexes and Abstracts; Periodical and Specialized Databases Introduction Evaluation and Selection Basic Sources Webliography * PART 3: THE ART OF QUESTIONING * Chapter 9: The Reference Interview Introduction The Patron-The Student The Setting You-The School Library Media Specialist Questions and Questioning Types of Reference Interviews Conclusion * PART 4: REFERENCE AND THE WEB * Chapter 10: The Web in Today's Reference Services Introduction Search Engines Electronic Resources, Searching Strategies, and Tips Evaluating Electronic Resources School Library Reference Services in the Digital Age Balancing Print and Electronic Reference Resources Changing the Size and Focus of the Media Center Reference Collection Transforming the Reference Shelf into a 21st-Century Exploratorium Useful Web sites * PART 5: SCENARIOS AND EXERCISES FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIANS Introduction * Chapter 11: Scenarios and Exercises Scenario (Elementary School): Famous First Facts Exercise (Elementary School): Planning a Search Scenario (Middle School): Evaluation of Electronic Information Exercise (Middle School): Online Database Exercise (High School): Research Skills Exercise (High School): Bogus Web Sites * Appendix: Publisher Information Glossary Works Cited