Lost in the Reference Section: Revitalizing an Outdated Selection of Print References
via Pixabay “A good reference source is one that serves to answer questions, and a bad reference source is one that fails to answer questions.” – Riedling The physical Reference section of our library is outdated, hidden, and untouched by both librarian and patrons for the last few years. Part of the reason for this neglect is our district collection of online databases . These online databases are useful, relevant, and should be gaining the main attention from teachers and students. However, online databases are not the only reference resources that should be available to our school community. Complementing these valuable resources with a useful print section of dictionaries, atlases, curriculum specific encyclopedias, and curriculum specific texts will increase student use of all references resources and better serve our patrons. Below are the steps necessary to overhaul this dusty, overlooked section of the library to enhance student learning in conjunct...