Learning from Reference Experience

This essay reflects on how reference librarians can use our experience to improve our reference skills. First, we need to pay attention to what we're doing and think about it – How did that interaction go? How did that source work? Should I have tried a different path? Second, writing or talking about reference helps to work out ideas and cement lessons. Forms of writing include simple notes, blog posts, an internal wiki, and formal publication. Third, keeping files (print or electronic) of past projects can help leverage that work. And finally, training others offers another opportunity to learn from experience