Based on the latest research in communication theory but tailored specifically for real-world application, this updated manual speaks equally to the needs of students preparing to enter the profession and those who are already fielding reference inquiries. The authors, working in consultation with a stellar advisory board of scholars and practitioners, present a convenient and comprehensive resource that will teach you how to understand the needs of public, academic, and special library users across any virtual setting—including email, text messaging, and social media—as well as in traditional and face-to-face models of communication. Packed with exercises and examples to help you practice effective reference transactions and avoid common pitfalls, this book

• tackles the fundamentals of the reference interview, from why it’s important in the first place to methods for setting the stage for a successful interview and techniques for finding out what the library user really wants to know;
• covers the ins and outs of the readers’ advisory interview;
• examines a wide range of contexts, such as children, young adults, parents, seniors, adults from diverse communities, and those with disabilities;
• presents case studies of innovative reference and user encounters at a variety of libraries;
• offers updated coverage of virtual reference, including new research, virtual reality transcripts, and a look at crowd-sourcing reference via social media;
• features new content on common microaggressions, with guidance on how to use awareness of emotion as a factor in reference interactions to ensure better outcomes;
• discusses topics such as respecting/protecting privacy, overcoming assumptions, implicit judgment, the importance of context, determining the real information need, and many other lessons learned from challenging reference encounters; and
• thoroughly addresses policy and training procedures, as well as the unique challenges faced by paraprofessionals and non-degreed staff.

Find your bearings in the continually evolving hybrid reference environment through proven strategies, advice, exercises, and research from three experts in the field.

A practical, start-to-finish guide to securing an internship in the private sector and making the most of the transition from student to professional.

Every year, college students across the country seek internships to build experience in their chosen fields. In this highly competitive job market, students and recent graduates need to seek out every possible opportunity to differentiate themselves and demonstrate that they are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. One important way to do so is an internship in the private sector, which can lead to a full-time job with a well-regarded organization. Yet the process of finding an internship can appear challenging. This book can make it easier.

For more than a decade, finance professional Charles Fishkin has been preparing students to thrive in internship programs. In this book, he shares his advice for those who are seeking a private-sector internship. With insights relevant to a variety of fields—from finance to the tech sector—he covers the process from start to finish, beginning with exploring the range of internship opportunities available. Several chapters offer advice on best practices for crafting effective resumes, networking, and interviewing to get the position. Fishkin offers checklists, action items, real-life scenarios, and practical suggestions, each arising from the experiences of former interns and hiring managers. The heart of the book focuses on the nine to twelve weeks of the internship itself, with tips on how to interact with supervisors and colleagues, how to learn and apply new skills, and how to solve problems and address challenges that arise.

Internships in the Private Sector is the first full-length guide to securing and making the most of an internship. This book will help level the playing field, providing students with the tools and support they need to perform to the fullest extent of their abilities and lay the foundation for a strong start to their careers.