Public Librarian Research Guidance & Consultation Skill
Guide patrons through expert research strategies and information literacy
What You Can Do
Provide comprehensive research guidance to library patrons by creating customized search strategies, evaluating information sources, and developing literacy materials. You can conduct consultations, design reference guides, and help patrons navigate complex research questions across any subject area.
Features
Create tailored research plans for patron inquiries, identifying the best databases, sources, and search approaches for their specific information needs
Generate criteria and checklists to help patrons assess source credibility, authority, and relevance using CRAAP test and similar evaluation methods
Design lesson plans, handouts, and interactive materials for teaching patrons how to search effectively, cite properly, and think critically about information
Generate clarifying questions and conversation templates to help you conduct effective reference interviews and uncover patron's true information need
Create style guides and citation examples for MLA, APA, Chicago, and other formats tailored to specific patron needs and disciplines
Suggest the most appropriate library databases, websites, and resources based on subject, format, and patron skill level
Help patrons transform vague topics into focused research questions with clear scope, keywords, and research objectives
Create curated collections of guides, FAQs, and resource lists organized by popular research topics and patron demographics
Example Output
Research Strategy for "Climate Change and Urban Agriculture"
Recommended Approach:
- Start with scholarly databases: JSTOR, ProQuest Environmental Index
- Add practitioner sources: GreenBuild Magazine, Urban Land Institute reports
- Search terms: "urban agriculture" AND (climate OR sustainability)
Sources to Evaluate:
- Peer-reviewed journals ✓ High credibility
- Government reports ✓ Authoritative data
- Blog posts ✗ Verify against primary sources
Information Literacy Handout
How to Spot Reliable Information (3-minute patron guide)
CRAAP Test:
- Currency: When was it published?
- Relevance: Does it match your research question?
- Authority: Who's the author? What are their credentials?
- Accuracy: Can you verify facts with other sources?
- Purpose: Is the source trying to sell something?
Print and laminate for reference desk distribution.
What's Included
- Reference Interview Templates: Pre-built conversation starters and question sets for conducting effective patron interviews
- Source Evaluation Checklists: Printable guides and frameworks for teaching patrons to assess credibility and relevance
- Database Matching Tool: Quick reference guide correlating research topics with your library's subscription databases
- Citation Style Guides: Customizable handouts for MLA, APA, Chicago, and other citation formats with patron-friendly examples
- Information Literacy Curriculum Outlines: Lesson plans and activity ideas for teaching research skills to different age groups and skill levels
Who It's For
- Public Librarians
- Reference Librarians
- Information Literacy Instructors
- Library Branch Managers
- Community Outreach Coordinators
Best For
- Conducting patron reference consultations
- Creating research guides and handouts
- Developing information literacy programs
- Teaching source evaluation skills
- Building citation instruction materials
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