Structured Reference Interviews for Public Librarians
Master structured reference interviews to clarify patron research needs
What You Can Do
This skill guides you through systematic reference interviews that uncover patron information needs and develop evidence-based search strategies. You'll learn to ask targeted clarifying questions, assess information-seeking behaviors, and generate tailored resource recommendations. The result: more satisfied patrons, more efficient research outcomes, and consistent, high-quality reference services.
Features
Use a proven structured approach to conduct reference interviews covering discovery, clarification, and strategy development
Generate targeted follow-up questions that reveal patron intent, scope, constraints, and information literacy level
Document patron research goals, resource preferences, time constraints, and desired format systematically
Create evidence-based information retrieval strategies with specific databases, search terms, and resource recommendations
Identify the best resource types and formats (books, journals, archives, digital collections) for each patron's research goal
Use refined language for explaining results, setting expectations, and providing follow-up guidance
Document next steps, success metrics, and patron contact information for post-interview assessment
Example Output
Reference Interview Summary
Patron Need: History of women's labor activism, 1960s-80s
Information Literacy: Intermediate-Advanced
Scope: Master's thesis (30+ scholarly sources)
Constraints: Needs primary sources; prefers peer-reviewed articles
Recommended Search Strategy
- Databases: JSTOR, ProQuest Dissertations, America: History and Life
- Key Search Terms: "women labor activists," "feminist labor history," "grassroots organizing women"
- Resource Types: Oral histories, archived meeting minutes, academic journals, scholarly monographs
Recommended Resources
- "Women and the Labor Movement" database (peer-reviewed)
- Schlesinger Library oral history collection
- Duke Special Collections (labor activism papers)
Follow-Up
Contact patron in 10 days to assess resource usefulness and identify gaps.
What's Included
- Reference Interview Checklist: Step-by-step protocol to guide you through each stage and ensure no key elements are missed
- Clarifying Question Bank: Pre-written questions organized by interview stage: opening, discovery, clarification, and closure
- Patron Assessment Template: Document template for recording research goal, information literacy, resource preferences, and constraints
- Search Strategy Guide: Structured format for developing and documenting search terms, databases, and resource recommendations
- Follow-Up Tracker: Template for recording patron contact, research focus, recommended resources, and success indicators
Who It's For
- Public Reference Librarians
- Public Services Librarians
- Library Directors and Managers
- Library School Students and Trainees
- Solo Librarians in Small or Rural Libraries
Best For
- Initial patron reference interviews at the service desk
- Complex research requests requiring systematic clarification
- Training new reference and public services staff
- Developing and standardizing service protocols
- Assessing patron information literacy and research skills
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