IPL Assignment

Lorri Mon, FSU LIS 5603 Intro to Information Services, Spring 2008

ASSIGNMENT:

In this assignment, you will participate hands-on in answering real e-mail digital reference questions from users of the Internet Public Library. You will complete one practice question and four questions from actual users of this online digital library. You will then write a 4-page reflective paper discussing your experience and what you have learned.

Steps in the Process

  1. Read the Start Page for New Students materials and explore the Internet Public Library ; after you finish reading, take the quiz to request your login from the IPL Administrator.
  2. Complete an IPL practice question and submit a self-evaluation form (see http://training.ipl.org/div/backroom/refvols/students/part7.html#Part_7_Step_5) Friday, Jan 25, midnight EST and get your clearance from the IPL Reference Administrator (who will automatically receive your practice question answer, and will review it and email you back.)
  3. When you've been cleared by IPL to move on, you will be answering questions from real IPL patrons:
  4. First IPL Question is due Friday, Feb 22, midnight EST
  5. Second IPL Question is due Monday, Mar 18, midnight EST
  6. Third IPL Question is due Monday, Mar. 31, midnight EST
  7. Fourth IPL Question and your IPL Reflective Paper on your experiences and what you've learned is due Monday, Apr 7, midnight EST
  8. For your IPL Reflective Paper: write up your reflections on your IPL digital reference experience (4 pages doublespaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font). Turn in your four real-patron answered question transcripts with your reflective paper by midnight on Monday, Apr 7, midnight EST.

EVALUATION:

Your reflective paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

·  Your ability to follow the directions of the assignment

·  Quality and clarity of thought

·  Organization of ideas

·  Use of specific examples to support/illustrate your ideas

·  Absence of grammar and spelling errors

Your answered questions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

·  Your ability to follow IPL's rules and policies and to include all required elements for answers

·  Your professionalism and ability to meet deadlines

·  Absence of grammar and spelling errors

·  The quality, creativity and clarity of your responses in meeting your clients' needs with appropriate resources and information

IPL Links:

Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org
Note: email address for the IPL Reference Administrator is: .

IPL Start Page for Students
http://training.ipl.org/div/backroom/refvols/students/

IPL QRC Login
http://qrc.ipl.org

IPL Checklist - Word document for checking your completion of question-answering tasks.