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Jon Levi Morris

Bio: Jon Levi Morris is an academic researcher from Appalachian State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Observational learning & Reference interview. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 5 citations.

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a case study which examines the impact on student learning resulting from librarian mentor participation and collaboration with students on a course assignment, and explore student reflections on the role of librarian mentoring in relation to perception and effectiveness, learning, confidence gained, and value of professional assessment.
Abstract: This article reports on the cognitive and affective development of students being mentored in virtual reference interview skills by professional librarians. The authors present a case study which examines the impact on student learning resulting from librarian mentor participation and collaboration with students on a course assignment. This study explores student reflections on the role of librarian mentoring in relation to perception and effectiveness, learning, confidence gained, and value of professional assessment.

5 citations


Cited by
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a case study of a successful mentoring program for reference student assistants in the liberal arts environment, where the mentorship program has proven to be worthwhile and rewarding in equal measures to both the mentees and reference librarians working with their future successors.
Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to create and sustain a successful mentoring program for reference student assistants in the liberal arts environment. The study delineates student training, program assessment and the impact on reference practice in a way that can be used at other institutions considering implementing a similar initiative. Design/methodology/approach This case study is written by professionals who have been deeply engaged in initiating, running and assessing the program. It presents the value of the program in an unbiased and objective manner by including the voices of the student mentees themselves reflecting on the experience. Findings The mentorship program has proven to be worthwhile and rewarding in equal measures to both the mentees and reference librarians working with our future successors. It serves an important role in inspiring and encouraging library student workers to become interested in academic librarianship as a career choice and it prepares them to be successful students in library and information science graduate programs. Originality/value Although the discussion of training reference student assistants per se is not rare in the library literature, this particular program is unique in several ways: its main intent is to mentor students who are interested in pursuing librarianship as a career goal; it occurs in the context of a liberal arts college rather than in a larger university setting, especially those offering degrees in information and library science; and it empowers students to provide in-depth independent reference services for their peers and faculty.

8 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A lack of literature on how to teach the reference interview and on the effectiveness of different types of assignments is addressed and the results will be of interest to Library and Information Science faculty, as well as library directors and reference managers who might offer training to staff.
Abstract: Purpose This study aims to explore the effectiveness and learning outcomes of two reference interview assignments – one in which students worked with a family member or friend and a “practice-based” assignment in which students were paired with other graduate students working on a class assignment. Design/methodology/approach Students completed reflective essay and submitted a survey rating their perceptions of their patrons’ satisfaction, completeness of the answer and overall success of the transaction. Findings Students in both classes were successful and applied the skills and competencies of the reference interview, but students with the practice-based assignment had a more realistic experience and were somewhat less confident about their performance. Practical implications The study offers some implications and suggestions for a more effective and realistic approach to teaching the reference interview. Originality/value There is a lack of literature on how to teach the reference interview and on the effectiveness of different types of assignments. This study addresses that gap and the results of this study will be of interest to Library and Information Science faculty, as well as library directors and reference managers who might offer training to staff.

6 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: How a joint health sciences practicum can help LIS students and recent graduates develop skills that may be beneficial for their future positions in health sciences or other libraries is described.
Abstract: Background: A joint practicum gives library and information science (LIS) students the opportunity to compare two health sciences libraries’ structures and workflows. The goal of this case report is to describe how a joint health sciences practicum can help LIS students and recent graduates develop skills that may be beneficial for their future positions in health sciences or other libraries. Case Presentation: Six participants in a joint health sciences library practicum underwent two interviews: the first interview focused on their practicum experiences, and the second interview sought to determine whether the participants had found employment and were using any skills in their new positions that they acquired during their practicums. Participants gave mostly positive feedback regarding their practicum experiences and expressed openness to applying for health sciences library positions. Although the participants who found employment did not work in health sciences libraries, their practicum projects served as supporting materials for their job applications, and they were using the skills they had gained from their practicums in their new positions. Conclusions: While most joint practicum participants were not working in a health sciences library, the practicum was beneficial to their new careers. This case report highlights that a joint health sciences practicum program can be beneficial in showing LIS students different approaches to health sciences librarianship.

6 citations