Conducting the Reference Interview: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians - Softcover

Catherine Sheldrick Ross; Kirsti Nilsen; Patricia Dewdney

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1856044688 ISBN 13: 9781856044684

Publisher: Facet Publishing, 2002

Synopsis

The revised 2nd edition of this practical how-to for all types of librarians will teach you to understand the needs of public, academic, and special library users across any virtual setting--email, text messaging, and social networking Web sites--as welll as in traditional and face-to-face models of communication. Based on the latest research in communication theory, the book includes new exercises and examples to help you practice effective reference transactions and avoid common pitfalls. Guidance for helping users with special language-related needs (such as speech and hearing disabilities and English language learners) and social difficulties is also included, as are updated chapters on readers' advisory interviewing and policy and training procedures. An extensively revised chapter on virtual reference features new sections on live chat and instant messaging services as well as a discussion of Web 2.0 initiatives and updated information on email reference.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Catherine Sheldrick Ross is Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario, Canada. Dr Kirsti Nilsen is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario. Dr Patricia Dewdney is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario.

From Booklist

Based on findings from workshops, projects, studies, and praxis, this manual provides librarians valuable insights into reference interviews and their use in determining and meeting users' information needs. It discusses reference interviewing in terms of theoretical foundations; initial contact; common problems and essential skills; adaptation for specific purposes, user groups, and environments; policy; and training. Each chapter includes explanatory material, illustrative examples, exercises, and an annotated bibliography. The work is laudable for its practicality, clarity, cogency, and supportive data. The exercises, in particular, are worthy of praise, as they are well conceived and have considerable applications in library schools. In short, an essential read for all current and future reference librarians. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Facet Publishing
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1856044688
• ISBN 13: 9781856044684
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 242