NJLA in the Spotlight
Reference Section
 The NJLA Reference Section fosters professional development and networking opportunities for reference librarians and others providing similar service in libraries. Members plan continuing education programs, including a major workshop in the fall, programs at the annual NJLA Conference, opportunities to interact with colleagues, and tours of specialized libraries or collections.
I like to think of our work, and our forte, with the initialism PQRS:
- Programs and Publishing: Encompassing the vast number of special programs librarians organize, from presentations (movies, speakers, etc.), to gardening, sewing, maker-spacing, teaching technology skills, cultural and book discussions, reading clubs, contests, trips, and many others. Publishing includes everything from marketing campaigns (dealing with the press and social media), to putting out newsletters, press releases, and library signage, and writing articles for professional associations and journals.
- Queries: Answering the many questions that come up every day, from those asked all the time (how do I print), to those that make you think a bit, to those that are teachable moments.
- Research: In-depth investigation to find an answer or a solution, often working with patrons on long-term projects. "Researching" is arguably no different from "querying," but I draw the distinction to emphasize that librarians are skilled at questions both small and large, of all types.
- Services: Connecting patrons with the sometimes confusing world around them. Not every answer is in a book or information source. Sometimes the library provides these services (such as social work in some libraries), and sometimes we connect people to them, or just listen and use our experience to assist others. Sometimes we're called upon to answer the unexpected but human needs of patrons that occur in a library (medical emergencies, etc.), since reference librarians are often in charge of the library during their shifts.
The Reference Section is organizing the 10th annual Adult Services Forum, a continuing education program for reference librarians. The 2019 forum will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holmdel Library and Learning Center, a Branch of the Monmouth County Library. The theme is "Hot Services and Hot Topics." We'll have a spirited discussion on privacy issues related to technology such as facial recognition; and hear from a library that has done extensive outreach to involve the community in its advocacy efforts. We'll also learn some brass-tacks skills on serving your patrons, with sessions on cutting the cable cord, services to new parents, engaging through social media, and DNA-based genealogy. More info: https://njla.org/content/2019-adult-services-forum
The Reference Section also sponsors informational sessions at the annual NJLA conference. Our co-sponsored programs at NJLA 2019 included sessions on: house history research, African-American genealogy, fighting the opioid crisis, social work, starting a partnership with an LGBTQ community center, running volunteer programs, and publishing professionally.
At other times throughout the year, members meet around the state at various libraries to network, brainstorm, and share ideas regarding reference-related issues. The most recent tour was of the Trentoniana Room at the Trenton Free Public Library. Usually NJLA sections/committees rotate their meetings at the libraries of that unit's board members -- it's your chance to show off your library (and also to get a break from traveling).
I joined the Reference Section because, well, I am a reference librarian, and I thought it was a natural fit for my skills as a researcher and former journalist (the Q and R as listed above). Of course, I knew that librarians also produce programs, publish, and provide a myriad of other services. My involvement with NJLA has connected me to many people who provide outstanding work related to P, Q, R, and S, and also reminded me that, yes, I do those things, too.
The Reference Section needs you to keep our programs fresh and relevant -- and also to chart our future. Reference Librarians have taken on programming, marketing, technology, and many other roles. Please consider joining our executive board, and feel free to ask me for more information.
Eric Schwarz
President, NJLA Reference Section
Reference Librarian, Clarence Dillon Public Library;
Adjunct Reference Librarian, Raritan Valley Community College
eschwarz@dillonlibrary.org
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Throughout my 23+ years as a librarian, attendance at conferences, workshops, meetings, and webinars, as well as involvement and leadership positions in professional organizations have kept me excited and energized about this profession. These experiences have allowed me to hone my skills far beyond the confines of my job descriptions while forming gratifying relationships that have proved invaluable to my personal growth and happiness. Learning from others, including those outside of libraries, helps all of us to push libraries forward and to serve the unique needs of our communities.
The NJLA's Reference Section is organizing the annual Adult Services Forum, a continuing education program for reference librarians.
Amanda Piekart, MSLIS, MSIDT
