Information and Reference ServicesDefinitionsPurposesInformation ServicesReference ServicesUser MediationUser QueriesAPTs and Ready Reference QueriesAPTs and Research QueriesUser InstructionDatabase SearchingEnd-User DatabasesOther ServicesReference and the CommunityServing Diverse/Special GroupsInformation and the CommunityInformation and Information and Reference ServicesReference ServicesDr. Dania BilalIS 530Fall 2007DefinitionsInformation/reference service: –provision of information, guidance, and instruction to usersReference librarians:–information specialists and intermediaries between information sources and usersPurposes Assist in meeting user information needsEducate users in effective access, evaluation, and use of informationDevelop and maintain virtal and non-virtual collections to meet user needsInformation ServicesReferenceCirculationInterlibrary loanTechnical services to support access to informationMedia digitizationReservesReference ServicesUser mediationUser guidanceUser instructionDatabase searchingSelective Dissemination of Information (SDI)Digital/virtual referenceUser outreach (Web 2.0)OtherUser MediationIdentify user information need–Negotiation & mediation of need–Types of user queries•Directional•Factual•ResearchUser QueriesDirectional: location-drivenFactual: known as ready reference–Have target answers; simpleResearch: require research to find relevant information sought–No target answers; complex ExamplesAPTs and Ready Reference QueriesAnswer-providing tools (APTs):–almanacs, dictionaries, maps, directories, encyclopedias, atlases, etc.APTs may be:–print (books, encyclopedias, newspapers, etc.)–electronic (database(s), online catalog(s), Web site(s), etc.)APTs and Research QueriesJournals, magazines, books, encyclopedias, government documents, theses, etc.Print and electronic/onlineUser InstructionType of programs: –Orientation/guidance –Web-based tutorials–class-integrated–class-related–One-on-oneDatabase SearchingFee-based–Available through commercial vendors such as Dialog•Command-driven and menu-driven–service policies–Not all libraries offer service–Dialog searches performed to users by intermediaries or other specialistsEnd-User DatabasesMenu- rather than command-drivenWeb-based, GUI-driven, non command-driven–Type, point and click!–Examples: databases accessible through Hodges LibraryOther ServicesSDIInformation & ReferralVirtual reference–Chat–Email–Telephone–Web 2.0Reference and the CommunityWho uses the library?Are libraries competing with bookstores?What type of users do libraries serve?Are search engines such as Google competing with library use?Serving Diverse/Special GroupsMulticultural groupsRefugeesPeople with disabilitiesOther groups?Information and the CommunityPatterns of information seeking: Are they the same across various cultures?–Katz II: pp. 17-19What challenges are facing information professionals in the digital
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