100 likes | 197 Views
Reference services at Community colleges. Emily Cable Holly Freewynn John Schoppert LI813XP Reference and User Services Spring 2011. The long history of Community colleges . Joliet Junior College – founded in 1901 in Illinois Great Depression – workforce training World War II – GI Bill
E N D
Reference services at Community colleges Emily Cable Holly Freewynn John Schoppert LI813XP Reference and User Services Spring 2011
The long history of Community colleges • Joliet Junior College – founded in 1901 in Illinois • Great Depression – workforce training • World War II – GI Bill • 1960s – the network is realized • Focus on “local community
Demographics – who are the patrons? Tacoma PCC Gender % M 36 F 64 M 44 F 56 Age – Avg 29 33 Ethnicity % Caucasian 65 72 African Am. 13 6 Hispanic 9 10 Asian/Pac. Is. 12 10 Native Am. 3 1 Receive aid - % 41 30 Enrollment – yr 15K+ 93K+
Why are they accessing the CC? • Workforce development • Academic transfer • Basic skills training • Community Education
What makes CC patrons unique? • Less academic experience • Older students whose technology gap can be barrier • Distance education students • Patrons for whom English is a second language
So, how is reference different at CC library? • Lots of one-on-one, helping less savvy students understand research and using sources • Referring and using ESL materials appropriately • Staffing and budget issues cause a variety of staffing patterns to meet student needs
How is reference different, Cont: • Offering extra support in using computers and other tech tools • The need remains for GED, testing and basic college preparation • And, always, help for the life-long learner
PCC Specific reference tools Resarch: • Subject Guides • Tutorials • Paper writing guide • Website Evaluation • Database basics • Lib 101 Reference Collection Examples: • Building Codes • Venipuncture standards • World Book Encyclopedia • ESL grammar guides • Job search reference • Music Dictionary Created by Librarians Supports student coursework
Access retention success Being relevant • Making education accessible to all kinds of students • Supporting the students you have adequately • Helping the students reach their goals
Resources • http://www.aacc.nche.edu • http://www.pcc.edu/ir/studentoutcomes/index.html • http://www.tacomacc.edu/abouttcc/quickfacts/ • Bell, C.J. (2004). A passion for connection: Community colleges fulfill the promise of cultural Institutions. Ref User Serv. Q 43(3). P 206-212 • Tolle, A.L. (2001). Reference and the community college: Renaissance librarians at Pikes Peak community college. Colorado Libraries 27(2). P 28-30