Library Science Reference Services 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a pathfinder (or subject guide) in a library?
- To guide patrons physically through the library building
- To provide a curated list of recommended resources on a specific topic (Correct answer)
- To create bibliographic records for new acquisitions
- To navigate the ILS interface
Correct answer: To provide a curated list of recommended resources on a specific topic
A pathfinder or subject guide is a curated list of recommended databases, books, websites, and other resources to help patrons start research on a specific topic.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a tertiary source?
- A research article reporting original findings
- A newspaper editorial
- An encyclopedia entry summarizing knowledge on a topic (Correct answer)
- A primary source diary
Correct answer: An encyclopedia entry summarizing knowledge on a topic
Tertiary sources, such as encyclopedias, almanacs, and handbooks, compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources.
Question 3: What does 'virtual reference' or 'chat reference' refer to?
- Using virtual reality in library instruction
- Providing real-time reference assistance through online chat or messaging tools (Correct answer)
- Creating online bibliographies
- Managing electronic resources remotely
Correct answer: Providing real-time reference assistance through online chat or messaging tools
Virtual reference (including chat, text, and email reference) allows librarians to provide research assistance remotely without the patron being physically present.
Question 4: The 55% rule in reference evaluation refers to what?
- 55% of patrons prefer online resources over print
- Studies showing librarians answer reference questions correctly about 55% of the time (Correct answer)
- 55% of library budgets allocated to reference materials
- 55% patron satisfaction rate as a benchmark
Correct answer: Studies showing librarians answer reference questions correctly about 55% of the time
The '55% rule' (from Hernon and McClure's unobtrusive studies) found that librarians provide correct answers to reference questions only about 55% of the time, highlighting service quality concerns.
Question 5: Which of the following is the best example of a secondary source?
- A letter written by Abraham Lincoln
- A biography of Abraham Lincoln written by a historian (Correct answer)
- The original Emancipation Proclamation
- A photograph taken during Lincoln's era
Correct answer: A biography of Abraham Lincoln written by a historian
A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources — a biography written by a historian is a classic example of a secondary source.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'community analysis' in public library reference services?
- To analyze the library's budget allocation
- To study the demographics and information needs of the library's service community (Correct answer)
- To evaluate reference staff performance
- To audit the library's collection for weeding
Correct answer: To study the demographics and information needs of the library's service community
A community analysis examines the demographics, interests, and information needs of the library's service population to help align collections and services accordingly.
Library Science Reference Services 2
What is the primary purpose of a pathfinder (or subject guide) in a library?