Reference librarians assist patrons in finding resources and information, requiring customer service skills and research knowledge. They teach classes, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to library collections. Communication skills and the ability to interpret vague requests are essential. A master’s degree in library science is required.
A reference librarian provides assistance to library patrons who need help locating resources and information. This job requires excellent customer service skills, as well as a familiarity with research and the ability to answer challenging questions from customers who may be looking for things that are obscure and unusual. Reference librarians must hold a master’s degree in library science (MLS) and may have additional certifications and qualifications, depending on where they work.
The center of the reference librarian’s workplace is the reference desk, an area that members of the public can approach for information and assistance. The reference desk has resources such as computers and connections to the catalog, as well as references that staff use frequently, such as maps of the area, dictionaries, etc. People can ask the librarian for help finding information, guidance from the library in learning to use resources, and other assistance.
Many reference librarians teach classes to members of the public, showing them how to use the library’s resources and providing them with some basic research tips and tricks. On college campuses, the librarian can be very active during orientation week, working with students to help them become familiar with the library. Librarians also provide assistance with the use of technical resources such as microfilm machines, copiers, and so on, and may troubleshoot Internet access problems in the library and other issues faced by patrons.
A reference librarian can also play a role in the development of library collections. Librarians need to know the library’s inventory well in order to help people most effectively, and they often identify weaknesses and holes in the collection as part of their job. They can make recommendations for new acquisitions and will work with the collections manager to determine what types of resources would be most useful to library patrons. This can include books, films, tapes, sheet music and other acquisitions.
Working as a reference librarian requires excellent communication skills. Users may have vague and unfocused requests that the reference librarian must be able to accurately interpret. Librarians often want to show patrons how to help themselves as well as providing information so patrons feel more confident in the library, and this requires learning about different communication styles to effectively connect with patrons. A useful skill for people in this position is the “reference interview,” in which the librarian asks a series of questions to find out what a patron needs and selects the most appropriate and useful resources.
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