Crash Course in Reference Desk Work: 1/26 10am-5pm

Today was my second day with the Dee J. Kelly Law Library, wherein I continued to learn more about the role of reference librarian. With the guidance of Cynthia Burress (Instructional Associate Professor of Law and Reference Librarian), we went over library policy and how to operate the reference desk. This included a practical discussion of how to log reference inquiries, manage the desk's inbox, access library resources, and more. Additionally, Cynthia and I particularly reviewed what kind of reference services law librarians can provide and in which contexts. For example, law librarians must be very careful to avoid any inadvertent, unauthorized practice of law. While many patrons may wish to request legal interpretation or advice from law librarians, to provide such legal counsel would constitute a violation of professional conduct. Therefore, law librarians must carefully assist patrons with legal questions without stepping into the role of attorney.

The day wrapped with a discussion of potential ways a reference librarian might assist certain patrons with certain inquiry types. For example, a student working on a journal article might need to have their ILL request for a book transferred to the library's circulation desk supervisor. Cynthia had put together a very handy guide on the most common requests from different types of library patrons. I reviewed this packet of information and discussed follow-up questions with Cynthia. Not only was this good practical information for how the reference desk operated, I also felt I was learning about the common needs of law librarian patrons. For example, public patrons frequently seek legal forms for use common legal issues, like divorce proceedings. Finally, some time was spent setting up my computer access and related technical orientation.

Photo Description: The Dee J. Kelly Law Library, while mostly very modern, has a few neat items from the law school's history tucked away. This desk, belonging to Dee J. Kelly himself, is open for students to use for study.

Total Hours: 7

Name: Madeleine Ball

Site Supervisor Name: Lisa Goodman