Never, ever got help from a reference librarian to find articles etc. Never, ever used any of those specialised catalogues that you are supposed to go to classes to learn how to use. Never used interlibrary loan.

Googled titles and/or authors gleaned from reference lists of published articles: 100%.

Questions I have asked reference librarians:

Where are the washrooms?

Where are the photocopiers?

When will your computer systems be back up?

The catalogue says this book is in but it’s not on the shelf. Where else might I look for it? (answer: I dunno..)

Are you open on Sundays?

How do I access your journals electronically?

Can you get the library to buy these books I need?

Can you get this creepy guy to stop masturbating under the table?

… stuff like that.

-susannah

I completely agree. This is a soap-box that I tend to get on and a very sensitive issue to me. I spent 3 years as a school librarian and am now working as an academic librarian. There is a HUGE disconnect between HS and the college/university experience. There is no consistency in what “life long learning skills” these students are learning across the board. This is only made more difficult by the fact that not all school librarians are certified librarians. So, some students are learning about how to find, evaluate, analyze and use information and other students have NO clue and think you can find everything you ever need on Google. I wish I had an aswer. . . working with the school librarians is fine if you can get your foot in the door and actually collaborate with them in some way. It is a shame that often times, it just does not happen. I have an 8 and 11 year old and I am on my kids constantly about good study habbits including, finding information using credible sources. It is amazing what they can pick up. As an academic librarian, I know the challenges they will be facing and as a parent; I want them ahead of the curve.