When: March 23 – May 17, 2026 (8 weeks)
Where: Online & Asynchronous
Cost: $360 (10% off when you register two weeks in advance)
CE Credit: 2.6 CEUs/26 LEUs
Program #: 1024
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Questions? Email the CE Team
The reference desk has always been a place for patrons to bring their questions, curiosity, and desire for answers. Whether staffing a physical reference desk in the library or helping users online, this class will provide the search and information skills you need to effectively serve library patrons’ needs.
Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct a successful reference interview, virtually and in-person
- Use new skills, tips and search techniques for online research
- Assist users in applying basic information literacy skills
- Evaluate resources and information
- Teach users the difference between databases vs search engines
- Make the reference experience accessible for all
- Use and apply AI
Course Audience: This class is for anyone working at a library reference desk, whether you are a new staff member or looking to refresh your skills.
Instructor
Barbara Alvarez has over 13 years of experience with libraries and information organizations. As a former business liaison librarian, Barbara designed and delivered partnerships, programs, and continuing education tools to job seekers, professionals, and business owners. For her work, she received the Morningstar Public Librarian Support Award and the PrivCo Award for Outstanding Business Librarianship. She was also nominated for the Athena Award for innovation and creativity in the library’s community.
Barbara is the author of the book Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian with ALA Editions. She has taught at the university-level for five years, including business reference and service classes. Barbara has a PhD in Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.