IPL Assignment
Lorri Mon, FSU LIS 5603 Intro to Information Services, Spring 2008
ASSIGNMENT:
In this assignment, you will participate hands-on in answering real e-mail digital
reference questions from users of the Internet Public Library. You will complete one
practice question and four questions from actual users of this online digital library. You
will then write a 4-page reflective paper discussing your experience and what you have
learned.
Steps in the Process
1. Read the Start Page for New Students materials and explore the Internet Public
Library ; after you finish reading, take the quiz to request your login from the IPL
Administrator.
2. Complete an IPL practice question and submit a self-evaluation form (see
http://training.ipl.org/div/backroom/refvols/students/part7.html#Part_7_Step_5) Friday,
Jan 25, midnight EST and get your clearance from the IPL Reference
Administrator IPL@ischool.drexel.edu (who will automatically receive your
practice question answer, and will review it and email you back.)
3. When you've been cleared by IPL to move on, you will be answering questions
from real IPL patrons:
4. First IPL Question is due Friday, Feb 22, midnight EST
5. Second IPL Question is due Monday, Mar 18, midnight EST
6. Third IPL Question is due Monday, Mar. 31, midnight EST
7. Fourth IPL Question and your IPL Reflective Paper on your experiences and what
you've learned is due Monday, Apr 7, midnight EST
8. For your IPL Reflective Paper: write up your reflections on your IPL digital
reference experience (4 pages doublespaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font). Turn
in your four real-patron answered question transcripts with your reflective paper
by midnight on Monday, Apr 7, midnight EST.
EVALUATION:
Your reflective paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
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Your ability to follow the directions of the assignment
Quality and clarity of thought
Organization of ideas
Use of specific examples to support/illustrate your ideas
Absence of grammar and spelling errors
Your answered questions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
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Your ability to follow IPL's rules and policies and to include all required elements
for answers
Your professionalism and ability to meet deadlines
Absence of grammar and spelling errors
The quality, creativity and clarity of your responses in meeting your clients' needs
with appropriate resources and information
IPL Links:
Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org
Note: email address for the IPL Reference Administrator is: IPL@ischool.drexel.edu.
IPL Start Page for Students
http://training.ipl.org/div/backroom/refvols/students/
IPL QRC Login
http://qrc.ipl.org
IPL Checklist - Word document for checking your completion of question-answering
tasks.