The Reference Encounter: Interpersonal Communication in the Academic Library (Acrl Publications in Librarianship) - Softcover

Radford, Marie L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838979513 ISBN 13: 9780838979518

Publisher: Amer Library Assn, 1999

Synopsis

Book by Radford, Marie

About this title

Reviews

Anecdotes on the importance of interpersonal communication skills at the reference desk are plentiful. Radford (William Paterson Univ., NJ) backs up the anecdotes with qualitative research. Based on her doctoral dissertation, The Reference Encounter explores perceptions of relational and content dimensions of communication between librarian and library user. Radford's book follows the typical research formatAintroduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, discussion, and implications/future directions. Among other things, the appendixes include interview questions, observation forms, sample transcripts, and sample critical incidents. Radford's research finds: 1) interpersonal relationships and communication are important in perceptions of reference interactions; 2) library users place a high degree of significance on the attitude/personal qualities of the librarian giving assistance; 3) some users value interpersonal aspects more than the receipt of information; 4) librarians are more likely than users to evaluate the reference encounter from content dimensions involving the transfer of information; and 5) librarians perceive relationship qualities to be important in the success of reference interactions (although to a lesser degree than users). This is a unique and interesting addition to the literature on the reference encounter. The style of writing is scholarly but readable. Recommended for library science collections and academic libraries.AJanet Brewer, Murray State Univ. Lib., KY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Amer Library Assn
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0838979513
• ISBN 13: 9780838979518
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 242