Part I --What is Reference all about?

Since this is my first LIBE course, I have to say that I am starting out with a blank slate. My only experience as a T-L has been the occasional assignments that I have had as a TOC, which usually involved shelving books, reading shelves and doing a few assignments and read-alouds with the students. I have had no experience with the more technical aspects of a T-L.

Before I even opened my textbook, I jotted down what it is that reference has meant to me. The words I came up with were: encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, almanac, World Book and the big one--RESEARCH. I picture a reserved section in the library with a large sign hanging over it indicating "REFERENCE". These books do not get circulated.

It has been nearly 10 years since I have worked as a regular classroom teacher and technology has changed so much since then. I found it interesting that the word "Internet" never came to mind when I was brainstorming. I can only assume that it is because of my lack of experience in using it in the classroom as a research method. I absolutely realize now how critical it is as a tool for research.

Through my readings in Lesson 1, I understand how critical it is for the T-L to be knowledgeable in identifying the resources that are available in his/her library. We must know where to find the necessary information for our students' research. We must provide access to the best reference material available. We must then teach our students how to evaluate, organize and use that material.

I really enjoyed the first quote in the textbook that is said to exist carved over a front entrance of a university library in America: "The half of knowledge is knowing where to find it".