Reference 2.0 During these past eight weeks we have learned a great deal about the importance of the reference section. The fact that impresses me the most is that everything seems to be intertwined. A library would not be complete without some portion of each of the following reference sources.

Week 4 We learned how to use and apply several Bibliographic Resources and Databases to the library. Bibliographic Resources –WorldCat: The Global Network of Libraries –Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media –Literary Market Place: More than just a bibliographic resource, also a librarian support system. –ALA: American Library Association Databases –The International Movie Database –Google Scholar is a database and a search engine. –Highwire Press: Database of scholarly journals: –ERIC: Educational Government Database----AWESOME!

Week 5 We each researched how to collaboratively use databases in the classroom and library. 21 st Century Skills –We are continuously learning how to teach the 21 st Century Standards by examining articles about the 21 st Century Skills. Virtual Libraries –We learned how to help students use virtual libraries and importance of teaching information and technology skills. Visual Video Skills –We also learned how to use videos to help teach our students and ourselves how to effectively use databases. Geovisualization Skills –Google Earth offers wonderful opportunities to connect geography and all the subjects in school together to create exciting lessons.

Week 6 We learned how to use and apply several Ready Reference Sources and Dictionaries to the library. Ready Reference Sources –Occupational Outlook Handbook –Scope Systems provides quick facts about the history of any certain day. –Librarian’s Internet Index also known as known as the Internet Public Library –Infoplease offers ready reference sources from several different materials. Dictionaries –Dictionary.com –Thesaurus. com –The Works of the Bard: Shakespearean Concordance eare/test.html –Bartleby’s Great Quotes

Week 7 We learned how to use and apply Encyclopedias and Special Guidelines and Sources to the library. Encyclopedias –Wikipedia a very controversial topic in the field of library science, but still considered a great starting point. –Encyclopedia Britannica is a great general encyclopedia. –Encyclopedia.com –Citizendium is similar to Wikipedia, but it requires writers to use real names. Citizendium Special Guidelines and Sources –PDR Health –ThomasNet provides information on corporations. –Stedman’s Medical Dictionary –Merck Manual of Medical Information

Week 8 We learned how to use and apply Geography, Countries, Travel Guides, and Biographical Information to the library. Geography, Countries, Travel –U.S. Board of Geographic Names offers a powerhouse of information of geographical facts. –Rand McNally Maps –National Geographic –United Nations Maps htm Biographical Information –Biography.com –National Women’s History Museum –Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy –Obituaries.com is a great place to locate the biographical information of lesser known people.