Do you want to be better at answering difficult reference questions? Learn the art of the reference interview and how to ask the right questions to delve into the heart of what the customer really wants to know.
Try the HALS Reference 123 course. It's a set of three web-based training modules designed for staff who are new to reference work, those who would like a refresher, or for reference trainers. This course is designed for you to work at your own pace.
Start today!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Reference Interview
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Alternative to Custom Guide
Ever tried to log on to the Custom Guide database to teach yourself a computer program, but it wouldn't let you? Unfortunately, only a certain number of users are allowed on Custom Guide at the same time. Don't fret! There is another alternative, a tutorial website called:
GCF Learn Free
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
It offers free, interactive tutorials for anyone who wants to improve their technology, literacy, and math skills.
Did I mention there is a Spanish version, too? http://www.gcflatino.org/
Try it for yourself and promote it to the customers as well.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tax form questions
Due to popular demand, the IRS houses prior year tax forms, instructions, and publications back to 1980 on their website. http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=98339,00.html
Please be aware that some of the older forms are print only and not “fill-ins.” Also, some forms are “information only” forms and are not usable if printed from the website. These forms can be ordered over the phone by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
Customers can also order a copy of their processed tax return by phone, mail, or online. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=110571,00.html
Please note, it is FREE to request a transcript of this information, but if you want the original copies, you will have to pay a fee. Also, the free transcripts currently only go back 3 years.
If a customer requests us to print forms that will have to pay $.25 a page, but if they order by calling the number above, the forms are FREE.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Statistic resources, online and at the library
Statistics are available on a variety of subjects, such as health, weather, crime, population characteristics, labor and employment, etc. The following is a list of resources that will help you find this information.
Quick Tip: Always check the source of the statistics, how the numbers were collected, what the date range of the data covers, and who collected the data to make sure you are using them correctly and understand their meaning.
Print resources:
- Florida Statistical Abstract - contains economic an demographic data for Florida by city and county. REF 317.59 FLO
- Statistical Abstract of the United States - a yearly publication from the United States Bureau of the Census contains both government and non-government statistics about social and economic conditions, usually on the national and state levels, but also including some international statistics. It's also available on the Web, viewed in Adobe Acrobat format.
- FEDSTATS - contains statistical information produced by over 70 federal government agencies. Example: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of the Census, National Center for Education Statistics and Internal Revenue Service.
- Department of Treasury - stats on public debt.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - all kinds of labor stats. Can find information on inflation.
- Economic Report of the President - overviews the nation's economic progress using text and extensive data appendices. These stats go back a number of years.
- National Center for Educational Statistics - collects, analyzes and makes available data related to education in the U.S. and other nations.
- Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics - statistical information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Learn how to use the Ancestry database!
Want to learn more about the Ancestry Database and be able to help customers with their genealogy questions? Ancestry.com provides training webcasts you can watch at your leisure.
Start with First Steps #1: Getting Started at Ancestry.com.
Summary: New to Ancestry.com? Join Juliana Smith, editor of the Ancestry Weekly Discovery e-newsletter, in this introductory course and learn how Ancestry.com can assist you in your family history journey. Learn how to navigate the site, search for your ancestors in the more than 30,000 collections on Ancestry.com, and start an online tree to organize your finds.
Also check out their Article Archives to develop your research skills and learn new search tips.
Never used Ancestry? It's the Library's most popular genealogical database that customers can only access at the Library. Check out our genealogy page!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Free ebooks and audiobooks for eReaders
Osceola Library System is getting the service called Overdrive which supplies ebooks and audiobooks to check out. In the mean time, customers can use the following websites to download free ebooks and audiobooks.
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