DigiRef Academy
It has been called by many names: chat reference, e-reference, and virtual reference, Ask A Librarian. Whatever the name, digital reference has formed a component of library service for over a decade and is a mode of service that is often not well-understood and difficult to put into practice.
Providing digital reference well and skillfully demands a very specific and well-developed skill-set: reference interviewing, a rapid and broad grasp of online resource, the ability to type quickly and accurately, the ability to maintain contact with the patron while simultaneously remaining engaged in searches, and the ability to manage more than one online transaction at a time. In addition, and very importantly, this form of reference demands enhanced communication skills, because the patron does not have the benefit of observing the librarian’s body language or tone of voice. The librarian must put forth particular effort to demonstrate that he or she is present to and actively working with the patron. Digital reference, therefore, is not a form of reference that can be undertaken well without explicit training and practice.
SWFLN’s DigiRef Academy will offer training via both webinar and face-to-face workshops in essential Digital Reference skills: the mechanics of performing the service, specific practices for communicating effectively via chat, and in-depth examination of a variety of online sources. Participants will emerge from these sessions with significant levels of experience in providing Digital Reference, enhanced knowledge of online resources, and greater confidence about providing the service and sharing their skills with colleagues.
All the information covered in this series . . . . all in one place . . . . for you AND YOUR PATRONS to use 24/7/365!
Year 1
Title: DigiRef Academy Inaugural Webinar
Date: October 15, 2015
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: First DigiRef Academy
Highlights of Webinar One: Click HERE
Title: DigiRef Academy: Reference Interview
Date: November 12, 2015
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Reference Interview
Highlights of Webinar Two: Click HERE
Title: DigiRef Academy: Ready Reference
Date: December 10, 2015
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Ready Reference
Website Resource Guide: Ready Reference Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for Health and Medical
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Format: Face-to-Face Workshop
Website Resource Guide: Health and Medical Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for Business and Commerce
Date: February 11, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for Business and Commerce
Website Resource Guide: Business and Commerce Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for the Law and Legal Studies
Date: March 10, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for the Law and Legal Studies
Website Resource Guide: Law and Legal Studies Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for American and World History
Date: April 7, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for American and World History
Website Resource Guide: American and World History Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for the Natural Sciences
Date: June 2, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for the Natural Sciences
Website Resource Guide:
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for Genealogy
Date: June 7, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for Genealogy
Website Resource Guide: Genealogy Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for Job Searching
Date: August 4, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Presentation Slides: Resources for Job Searching
Website Resource Guide: Job Searching Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Readers’ Advisory
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Format: Face-to-Face Workshop
Website Resource Guide: Readers’ Advisory Resources
Title: DigiRef Academy: Resources for the Humanities
Presenter: Dr. Naomi Gold
Format: Face-to-Face Workshop
Website Resource Guide: Humanities Resources
Year 2
Title: DigiRef Academy: Setting Up a Digital Reference Program Part One
Date: November 15, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: Setting Up a Digital Reference Program: How to Serve our Patrons Effectively (Closed Captioned Recording)
Date: December 9, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: DigiRef Academy: Religion, It’s a Question of Faith
Date: January 10, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: DigiRef Academy: Health and Medicine, Am I Dying?
Date: February 7, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: DigiRef Academy: Working with Children and Teens, Are You a Robot Ninja?
Date: March 13, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Susan Smith
Title: DigiRef Academy: Education: #2 Pencil Not Required
Date: April 25, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: DigiRef Academy: Disability Resources – Empowering ALL People with Information
Date: May 23, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Title: DigiRef Academy: You CAN Get There From Here: Beginning Research in Hospitality (Closed Captioning Available)
Date: June 13, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Susan Smith
Title: DigiRef Academy: Politics and Government: Participating in YOUR Democracy
Date: August 22, 2017
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Rollins
Upcoming Training
