Browse collection, first unguided, and next with a co-worker in reference.

Task 2:   Knows what is on Ready Reference.
{training time--18 months}

Needs to know:

• types of materials that are usually included in a Ready Reference collection.
  
• title recognition of most in-demand titles in collection.
  
• title recognition of lesser-used titles in collection.
  
• rationale of title selection for Ready Reference collection (what is different about a title selected for Ready Reference compared to regular Reference).
  
  

• Review general policies for Ready Reference collection.
  
• Schedule a regular orientation to titles in the collection beginning with the most in-demand titles first.
  
• Schedule an orientation on electronic sources used for Ready Reference including relevant sites for Libraries' WWW Ready Reference appropriate sites.

Task 3:   Knows when to use Ready Reference materials.
{training time--six to eight months}

Needs to know:

• familiarity with tables of contents and what information is included in each title.
  
• how to use searching tool to identify which title to use.
  
• what kinds of questions are answered by each title in the collection.
  

• Have reference staff prepare two or three sample reference questions for practice in using various Ready Reference titles, covering a few titles at a time.
  
• Observe at the reference desk with an assigned partner who will explain the use of various kinds of Ready Reference tools in answering real-life queries.
  
• Consult subject specialist as appropriate.

Task 4:   Knows how to use ready reference materials.
{training time--six to eight months}

Needs to know:

• what information is included in each title of collection.
  
• what kinds of questions are answered by each title in the collection.
  
• how to identify which title to use to answer specific questions.
  

• Review instructions for use for each title.
  
• Have reference staff prepare two or three sample reference questions for practice in using various Ready Reference titles, covering only a few titles at a time.
  
• Observe at the reference desk with an assigned training partner who will explain the use of various kinds of Ready Reference tools in answering real-life queries.
  
• Consult subject specialist as appropriate.

Task 5:   Know the core/basic literature of subject disciplines in your library, to be determined by area supervisor.
{ training time--12 to 18 months}

Suggestions:

• Learn new reference sources on a scheduled basis.
  
• Review handbooks, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.
  
• Review manuals, directories, and data compilations.
  
• Review bibliographies and other significant sources in subject discipline.
  
• Consult subject specialist as appropriate.

Task 6:   Know the core/basic indexes of the literature of the subject disciplines in your library, as determined by area supervisor.
{training time--12 to 18 months}

Suggestion:

Review core/basic indexes, both print and electronic, on a scheduled basis.

Task 7:   Seeks an expanding knowledge of reference sources, both old and new.
{training time--ongoing}

Suggestions:

• Keep up with current reference sources.
  
• Browse new reference titles.
  
• Become reacquainted with older, less familiar titles.
  
• Search review sources for information about new reference sources.
  
• Consult subject specialist as appropriate.