Reference Is My Classroom: Setting Instructional Goals for Academic Library Reference Services

The reference encounter provides a unique one-on-one teaching opportunity. While studies have examined different methods for providing instruction in reference, few have focused on identifying, defining, and implementing standardized instructional goals. This study identifies, tests, and analyzes specific instructional goals for reference services, using Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Literacy Competency Standards in an examination of chat transcripts. The findings suggest ways to strategically support the development of information competency and critical thinking skills through reference services. Finally, the study provides training tools for recognizing instructional opportunities in reference encounters and suggests specific librarian actions for taking advantage of those opportunities.