Webinar Description:

This is a digital workshop designed for library staff looking to elevate their reference desk interactions by using digital resources effectively.  Zoom will be used to facilitate the session in order to accommodate a wider audience. Participants will explore best practices in reference interviewing.  There will be time allotted at the end of the workshop for participates to ask questions or get additional assistance if needed. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be provided with an array of digital resources to use when conducting reference desk interactions with library users.
2. Participants will learn reference interview best practices to support successful library user engagement while using digital resources and technologies.
3. The participants will practice reference desk interactions skills through interactive discussions of reference interaction scenarios. Participants can refer to the digital resources provided to them during the workshop to support them in crafting responses to the scenarios.

About the Presenter:

Shannon Crooks is a doctoral student at Syracuse University in the Information Science and Technology Ph.D. program. Shannon has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Winthrop and Howard University. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University in 2018.

Before enrolling in the Ph.D. program, she worked as a librarian supervisor at an urban library in Prince George’s County, Maryland. While working in the library, she strategized how to engage and support the library community.

Shannon spent several years working as a social worker in various roles such as foster parent trainer/recruiter/licensing specialist, foster care social worker, teen mom social worker, treatment plan writer, and teen mom life skills group facilitator. Working in social work has enriched her librarianship skill set and guides her practice when working with people in library communities. Her primary research focus is community engagement.

 Sponsoring Organization:
Central New York Library Resources Council

Registration is Required