Regional Reference

The Old Order Changeth …
This is the last regular Regional Reference article that will appear in CMRLS’ traditional Centralities format. This is partly because Centralities itself is changing and partly because we’re in the process of creating a new, more interactive communication tool focused on reference services within the region.

This summer, the Worcester Public Library Reference Division is launching a reference blog, and these regular monthly articles will appear in this new format along with much more. We hope the blog format will provide a place for reference staff across the region to share ideas and concerns, offer suggestions, pass on tips and solicit help with problems in a fast and very responsive way. It might help us all respond more effectively to hot issues or local concerns, by bringing our collective knowledge to bear on these things. And, while it’s difficult for many of us to get to meetings and workshops, if we share some of what we learn, everyone can benefit.

Here at Worcester, we’ll use the blog to talk about new reference items, e-resources we’re adding, good links we’ve found, and services and programs that are available to you and your patrons. We’ll also use it as a way to introduce our staff to all of you so you’ll know whom to contact when you have a very specific question.

Blogs, of course, work best when everyone gets involved by creating posts and responding to other’s posts. These posts don’t have to be major topics, because just “talking” about the things that come up in day-to-day reference service gives us a chance to learn from each other’s experience. Sharing what we discover in our daily work, raising questions about new products or offering links to new information resources will help us all keep current. Since reference service staff work with patrons of all ages, children’s and youth service’s staff are encouraged to contribute as well.

Now is also the time to offer naming rights for this new blog. Please send your suggestions on to me (jpeck@cwmars.org) and we’ll do a quick poll on the new blog to see what wins.