Library Science Reference Services 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'reference interview' in library science?
- A job interview for reference librarians
- A structured conversation to clarify a patron's information need (Correct answer)
- An evaluation of reference sources
- A written questionnaire given to library users
Correct answer: A structured conversation to clarify a patron's information need
The reference interview is a conversational process where a librarian asks questions to clarify and understand the patron's actual information need before recommending resources.
Question 2: Which type of reference question can be answered with a single, verifiable fact?
- Research question
- Readers' advisory question
- Ready-reference question (Correct answer)
- Bibliographic instruction question
Correct answer: Ready-reference question
Ready-reference questions are quick factual questions (e.g., a phone number or a date) that can be answered rapidly with a single fact from a reference source.
Question 3: What is 'readers' advisory' in public library services?
- Advising patrons on library policies
- Helping patrons find books they will enjoy based on their reading preferences (Correct answer)
- Teaching patrons to use the online catalog
- Providing legal or medical advice
Correct answer: Helping patrons find books they will enjoy based on their reading preferences
Readers' advisory is a patron-centered service where librarians suggest books and other materials tailored to the reader's interests and past reading preferences.
Question 4: Which ALA document defines the ethical obligations of reference librarians?
- Bill of Rights
- Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (Correct answer)
- Freedom to Read Statement
- Core Competencies for Librarianship
Correct answer: Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
The ALA Code of Ethics outlines the professional values and ethical obligations of all library workers, including providing reference services equitably and without bias.
Question 5: What is 'tiered reference service' in a library?
- A subscription-based reference service
- A model where initial questions are handled by paraprofessionals and complex ones escalated to librarians (Correct answer)
- Reference service offered at multiple branch locations
- A multilingual reference service
Correct answer: A model where initial questions are handled by paraprofessionals and complex ones escalated to librarians
Tiered reference service routes basic or directional questions to paraprofessionals or student assistants, while complex research questions are escalated to professional librarians.
Question 6: Which evaluation method measures how accurately reference librarians answer questions correctly?
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Unobtrusive testing (Correct answer)
- Focus groups
- Circulation statistics
Correct answer: Unobtrusive testing
Unobtrusive testing (or 'mystery patron' studies) measures reference accuracy by having testers pose as patrons and later evaluating the correctness of the answers given.
Library Science Reference Services 1
What is the 'reference interview' in library science?