Internship Information Guide: Reference

Here are some tips and best practices to prepare for your time at the reference desk:

Ask Questions!

• Don't hesitate to ask the librarian you're shadowing or observing questions throughout your internship 
• You don't have to know the answer to every question - every reference interaction provides you with an opportunity to learn alongside our students

Know the Resources!

• Browse the shelves, catalog, databases, and website to get acquainted with the library's vast resources
• Refer to the ELAC Resources tab for information about campus resources and student services 
• Explore the ELAC resources binder at the Research Help Desk for information about tutoring services on campus

Demonstrate Process!

• Walk students through the process of using library tools when answering questions
• Try not to simply provide information or resources without demonstrating the process
• Encourage students to independently try the tools and techniques you share with them

Stay Focused!

• Refrain from working on too many projects during your time at the reference desk so you can provide the best quality of service possible
• Call a librarian for backup if the reference desk ever gets backed up when you're working alone
• Don't hesitate to ask a librarian or library staff for support if you have any questions about your reference interaction

Description of Reference Duties

Students and faculty at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) will pepper you with a variety of reference questions! You will spend a good portion of your time at ELAC's Research Help Desk teaching students to use the library's databases and catalog for research assignments, directing them to the right information resources on campus, and answering technology questions as they arise. 

Our goal at the ELAC Research Help Desk is to teach students and faculty to locate and use the most appropriate library materials available for their classes and assignments. Librarians at ELAC aim to assist students and faculty in becoming independent lifelong researchers.

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Reference Internship Description

ELAC interns will spend the bulk of their internship getting hands on experience at the Research Help Desk under the supervision of a librarian. The first 15-20 hours of the internship will be dedicated to observing and shadowing a librarian at the reference desk to become familiar with the library's online catalog, reference and general collections, databases, and basic computer and printing functions at the ELAC library.

Interns are encouraged to acquaint themselves with our library databases and our reference and general collections by browsing the shelves whenever the Research Help Desk is quiet. By the end of the semester, interns will feel comfortable and confident independently answering the myriad questions we all receive at the Research Help Desk.