Workshop Description:

This hands-on workshop is designed for library staff looking to elevate their reference desk interactions by using digital resources effectively. Participants will explore best practices in reference interviewing and engage in role-playing scenarios to build confidence and competence in assisting library users.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be provided with an array of digital resources to use when conducting reference desk interactions with library users.
2. Participants will learn reference interview best practices to support successful library user engagement while using digital resources and technologies.
3. The participants will practice reference desk interactions skills through interactive role play scenarios using digital resources to answer common library user questions.

About the Presenter:

Shannon Crooks is a doctoral student at Syracuse University in the Information Science and Technology Ph.D. program. Shannon has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Winthrop and Howard University. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University in 2018.

Before enrolling in the Ph.D. program, she worked as a librarian supervisor at an urban library in Prince George’s County, Maryland. While working in the library, she strategized how to engage and support the library community.

Shannon spent several years working as a social worker in various roles such as foster parent trainer/recruiter/licensing specialist, foster care social worker, teen mom social worker, treatment plan writer, and teen mom life skills group facilitator. Working in social work has enriched her librarianship skill set and guides her practice when working with people in library communities. Her primary research focus is community engagement.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for two contact hours.**

Registration Closes on November 12 @ 5 p.m.

All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.

All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct