Web Research on:
- What the Reference Interview is.
- How to conduct a proper Reference Interview.
Website:
http://web.utk.edu/~wrobinso/531_lec_interview.html
What is a Reference Interview?
The Reference Interview is the tool used to figure out specifically what the client needs.
It is used to locate what the client needs, rather than what the client wants.
How is a proper Reference Interview conducted?
Worf Method:
W = welcoming, open attitude and body language
O = open-ended questions that cannot be answered with yes or no
R = rephrasing and not repeating the user's query to clarify and confirm
F = follow up to insure user is satisfied [begins with "if this isn't satisfactory, please come back and we'll try something else" and ends by checking with user to insure satisfaction]
This model focuses on a dialog based upon thoughtful questions, responses, and acute listening. Focused listening and paying attention is crucial. You don't want to rush off to find material on "whales" when the user said "Wales. The "dolphin" question may be about the football team and not the mammal. Questions are open-ended and cannot be answered by yes or no. These questions begin with "who," "what," "why," "where," and "when."
Here are a few examples:
"What kind of information would you like to find?"
"Who is the information for?"
"Is there a deadline involved?"
"Do you want items to use here or to take home?"
"Are you looking for print or electronic content?"
"How detailed or technical should the information be?"
"How much information do you need?"
"Will you tell me where you have searched so I don't duplicate what you have already done"?
"How did you hear about this topic?"
"Would you prefer that the information be in particular format?"
"When do you need this information?"
"What have you already done (prior search history)?"
"What would you like this information to do for you?"
"What can you tell me about ....... ?"
"Is there a particular aspect of this topic that interests you?"
"How recent does the information need to be?"
Website:
http://www.olc.org/ore/2pieces.htm
This webite suggest the the reference interview boils down ot obtaining 6 crucial peices of information from the client. They are:- Purpose
- Deadline
- Type and Amount
- Who
- Where
- The Basic Question
Now to PRACTICE!!
