Basic Principles

Questions questions questions This doesn't need to be an interrogation, think of a conversation where you can come to some agreement with the patron about what she is looking for.

Don't be Amelia Earhart. You do not have to fly the desk alone. If you are stumped ask for help or refer the patron to someone else.

At the very end, ASK if the patron is satisfied:

• Is this what you were after?
• If you can't find what you need check back and we'll try something else.

Ya got all that?
test your knowledge with these virtual patrons
Try out some of the WRONG answers as well as the right ones, it might be fun

Help Mark find a professor

Help Betty with a history assignment

Learn more about the Reference Interview:

The Reference Interview by William C. Robinson

OLC Module: Reference Interview by Ohio Library Council

The Consumer Health Reference Interview and Ethical Issues by National Network of Libraries of Medicine