Reference and Reference and Information ServicesInformation Services

Dr. Dania BilalIS 530

Spring 2005

Definitions

Information/Reference service is the provision of information, guidance, and instruction to users

Reference librarians/information specialists are intermediaries between information sources and users

Purposes

Assist in meeting user information needs:– simple and complex– defined and ill-defined

Educate users in effective and efficient use of resources

Types of Services

Digital reference Fee-based (Dialog searches) Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Reader’s advisory User instruction Other services

Types of Reference Queries

Ready Reference queries– Known as closed, fact-finding, or simple – Typically, they do not involve research– Have prescribed/target answers– One or two sources may provide the answer

Ready Reference Queries: APTs

Answer-providing tools (APTs):– almanacs, dictionaries, maps, directories,

encyclopedias, atlases, etc. APTs can be:

– print (books, encyclopedias, newspapers, etc.)– electronic (databases, online catalogs, Web

documents, etc.)

Ready Reference Queries: Examples

Do you have the URL of the American Library Association?

When did the American Civil War take place? How should one address a congressman?

Nature of Ready Reference Queries

Usually direct and straightforward Might require little negotiation when

vague or uncertain– Negotiation is the interaction between a user

and an intermediary that is undertaken to identify the exact information need.

Research-Based or Complex Queries

Nature of Research Queries

Open-ended Multi-faceted Require more time than RR queries to

solve Require a variety of APTs to use

Research Queries: APTs

Journals, magazines, books, encyclopedias, government documents, theses, etc.

Sources can be print and electronic

Research Queries: Examples

I need to find information about the impact of culture on the use of the Web.

What should we teach children about copyright and plagiarism?

What is the difference between usability and user-centered interface design?

User Instruction

Type of programs: – orientation – computer-/Web-based– class-integrated– one-on-one – class-related

Other Services

Fee-based– Online searching using commercially available

databases Term paper assistance

– individualized and/or group-based

Other Services

Readers’ advisory– Guidance about selection of readings for

issues or problems patrons face in their lives – Prevalent in public and school libraries

Other Services

SDI (Selective Dissemination of Information)– Customized service offered to researchers in academic

and special libraries based on user interest profile Digital/virtual reference

– Remote reference assistance provided to users• Chat software, email• Push technology

Class Activity #1

Share the experience you have had with Reference librarians or other types of library services

Class Activity #2

Visit http://www.ipl.org– Familiarize yourself with this digital library.

Answer these questions:– What reference tools are available for kids and

how did you find them?– What link can you use to ask a question via

email?