Reference Interview

Goals: Library Staff will learn:

The art of conducting a reference interview

The reference interview is important service that library staff provide to our patrons. The reference interview is a strategy that you can use to help identify the patron's information needs. In this training you will learn techniques and strategies that you can use to effectively identify the information needs of our patrons.

To more about the art of conducting a reference interview please click on the link below to complete the training module on the the process of conducting a Reference Interview.

Now that you have completed the Training Module on how to conduct a Reference Interview, please watch this to see some examples of effective and ineffective reference interviews. This video will explore strategies that you can use to improve the reference interview process.

Important things to remember:

  • Approachability is important- Smile
  • Give your full attention to the patron
  • Summarize the patron's question
  • Ask open end question to help clarify the patron's needs
  • After you have helped the patron find the information, ask follow question to help determine if you have meet the patron's information needs.

Congratulations you have now completed this Training on how to conduct a Reference Interview

Below you will find some resources that I recommend you explore