Reference and Information ServicesDefinitionsPurposesTypes of ServicesTypes of Reference QueriesReady Reference Queries: APTsNature of Ready Reference QueriesResearch-Based or Complex QueriesNature of Research QueriesResearch Queries: APTsResearch Queries: ExamplesUser InstructionOther ServicesSlide 14Slide 15Class InteractionSlide 17Reference and Reference and Information ServicesInformation ServicesDr. Dania BilalIS 530Spring 2006DefinitionsInformation/Reference service is the provision of information, guidance, and instruction to usersReference librarians/information specialists are intermediaries between information sources and usersPurposes Assist in meeting user information needs:– simple and complex– defined and ill-definedEducate users in effective and efficient use of resourcesTypes of ServicesDigital referenceFee-based (Dialog searches)Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)Reader’s advisoryUser instructionOther servicesTypes of Reference QueriesReady Reference queries–Known as closed, fact-finding, or simple –Typically, they do not involve research–Have prescribed/target answers–One or two sources may provide the answerReady Reference Queries: APTsAnswer-providing tools (APTs):–almanacs, dictionaries, maps, directories, encyclopedias, atlases, etc.APTs can be:–print (books, encyclopedias, newspapers, etc.)–electronic (databases, online catalogs, Web documents, etc.)Nature of Ready Reference QueriesUsually direct and straightforwardMight require little negotiation when vague or uncertain–Negotiation is the interaction between a user and an intermediary to identify the exact/true information need.Research-Based or Complex QueriesNature of Research QueriesOpen-endedMulti-facetedRequire more time than RR queries to solveRequire a variety of APTs to useResearch Queries: APTsJournals, magazines, books, encyclopedias, government documents, theses, etc.Sources can be print and electronicResearch Queries: ExamplesWhat should we teach children about copyright and plagiarism?Students to give examples.User InstructionType of programs: –orientation –Web-based–class-integrated–one-on-one –class-relatedOther ServicesFee-based–Online searching using commercially available databasesTerm paper assistance–individualized and/or group-basedOther ServicesReaders’ advisory–Guidance about selection of readings for issues or problems patrons face in their lives –Prevalent in public and school librariesOther ServicesSDI (Selective Dissemination of Information)–Customized service offered to researchers in academic and special libraries based on user interest profileDigital/virtual reference–Remote reference assistance provided to users•Chat software, email•Push technologyClass InteractionShare your experience on requesting assistance to find information in any type of setting.Class InteractionVisit http://www.ipl.org–Familiarize yourself with this digital library.Answer these questions:–What reference tools are available for kids and how did you find them?–What link would you use to ask a question via