Reference Services and Research Support Flashcards

What is 'virtual reference service' (also called digital reference or chat reference)?

Answer: The provision of reference assistance through online channels such as chat, email, or text messaging

Virtual reference service extends library reference assistance beyond physical walls by using digital communication channels—chat, email, text, or video—to connect patrons with librarians remotely.

What does 'roving reference' involve in a library setting?

Answer: A librarian moving proactively through the library to offer assistance rather than waiting at a desk

Roving reference involves librarians leaving the reference desk and actively approaching patrons throughout the library to offer proactive assistance, making service more accessible and approachable.

When a patron's research question exceeds a librarian's expertise, what is the most professionally appropriate response?

Answer: Refer the patron to a subject specialist or another appropriate resource while remaining helpful

Professional reference practice requires honesty about the limits of one's knowledge; referring patrons to subject specialists or other resources ensures their needs are met while maintaining professional integrity.

What is the primary goal of 'embedded librarianship'?

Answer: Placing librarians physically within academic departments, classrooms, or community organizations to integrate library services into users' workflows

Embedded librarianship moves the librarian out of the traditional library space and into the communities they serve—classrooms, labs, or departments—to provide contextually relevant research support.

Which federal program provides free public access to government science and technology research through an online portal?

Answer: Science.gov / OSTI.GOV

Science.gov and OSTI.GOV (Office of Scientific and Technical Information) are federal portals that provide free access to U.S. government-funded scientific and technical research results.

What does a 'tiered reference model' accomplish in a library?

Answer: It assigns questions to staff based on complexity, routing simple queries to paraprofessionals and complex ones to librarians

A tiered reference model improves efficiency by having paraprofessionals or technology handle directional and ready-reference questions, while professional librarians focus on complex research consultations.

Which practice best describes 'readers' advisory' service in a public library context?

Answer: Helping patrons select recreational reading materials that match their interests and preferences

Readers' advisory is a patron-centered service in which librarians assist individuals in finding enjoyable reading material by understanding their preferences—genre, mood, pace, and previous favorites.