Creating a Formal Program to Train LIS Students for Reference Services

Student employees are a vital part of library operations and deserve an effective training program. Students in library and information science programs working in libraries have an excellent opportunity to learn more than just practical information. Through a training program that provides experiential learning, mentoring, critical evaluation and constructive improvement, job preparation, and personal support, these budding librarians can be more prepared for their first positions. As practicing librarians, we owe it to these students to develop and mentor them when we have the opportunity. This article uses a literature review and practical experience to provide a set of best practices for libraries that have library and infomration science students as part of their team.