Refresher: The Reference Interview

Although we know there are a lot more steps to it, the basic ideas presented in this post are good to keep in mind. It's a kind of "decision tree."

Are you sure you understand the question?
Is the patron looking for a specific item?
Is the patron looking for a subject?
Is the question about something local?
Is your answer still “no” or “I don’t know” - what else can you do?

Tips and tricks as you move along this decision tree are in the article. I suggest the whole thing!

Checklist Manifesto for the Reference Desk via Swiss Army Librarian by Brian Herzog on 6/29/10