Discusses how the reference staff at Texas A&M University defined basic tools, skills and procedures that new librarians and support staff should know. A list of Subject Baseline Competencies (which is appended) was developed for the reference department, including desk procedures and policies, electronic competencies, and the three major…

Because students often produce writing that incorporates few or no outside sources of information, or is incorrectly documented, library skill instruction should be a part of the basic curriculum in college. Students need this instruction most at the beginning of their higher educational career, for these skills will be necessary throughout and…