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The
Reference Interview
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Scope
- The reference interview is vital
to ensuring that you know that you are looking for the information
that your patron really wants.
Nature of the
Patron
- Patrons are often not sure what
information they are seeking.
- Their opening question is
frequently just a way of opening conversation.
- They often try to phrase the
question in a way that they think you will better understand it.
Unfotunately, this frequently makes it more difficult to
understand what they want.
- They may not have the vocabulary
or subject knowledge to clearly express their information need.
This can include anyone, including professional people such as
librarians, academics, engineers.
- They may assume that:
- You have the information at
hand.
- You (or they) can find the
information easily on the Internet.
Your General
Responsibilities in the Interview
- Present an open, friendly,
non-judgemental demeanor.
- Do not assume that you know that
the patron is trying to say.
- Ask clear, non-leading, open
questions
What You Need to
Find Out
- What is the real
question?
- What is the reason(s) or purpose
for which they need the information?
- Where did the patron hear about
the subject that they want information about?
- What sources have they
checked?
- When do they need the
information? Is there a deadline?
- What is the level of
sophistication in the resulting materials do they need?
- Example: An elementary school
student requires less sophisticated information than a college
student.
Resource
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