Reflection: First Half of my Blog

My blog, or reference folio, is due on 10/15. We are required to post a 100-200 word summary of what my portfolio most clearly indicates to date. I'm to explain what I've learned about the field and about myself as a potential practitioner. Here goes:

I have been doing reference at a children's desk for a while, but had no processes in place, and having no method both frustrated and frightened me. If my few tricks didn't work, I had no idea what to do next, or where to start if I came up against a question where my “tricks” wouldn’t apply. I worried that using Amazon to find a title or Google for an initial search was wrong and beneath a real Reference Librarian. Now, I'm glad to know that I have a set process of how to search for information, and it involves cursory searches. Similarly, I knew I needed a procedure to root out the patron’s exact question, but didn’t know about reference interviews. I also made sure to be courteous and approachable, but didn’t really do it consciously or know exactly why it was helpful. Taking a reference class has helped me know the reasons behind my instincts, and has definitely given me more confidence and strategies to follow said instincts. I am learning methods to my former madness, and feeling more relieved every time I search.