Page 73 - DLIS105_REFERENCE_SOURCES_AND_SERVICES

Reference Sources and Services

Notes

If you have a research assignment, narrate your experiences about search of relevant
material in libraries. Otherwise accompany a research scholar of your university to
the library and find out about reference process.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
5. Digital reference is a service by which library reference service is conducted online, and the
reference transaction is a computer-mediated communication.
6. The earliest digital reference services were launched in the mid-1980s.

6.4 Summary

• The Reference and Information Services Section will address all aspects of reference work, in
all types of libraries, in all regions of the world. Current interests encompass the new electronic
environment and the resulting changes in reference work, the future role of reference work,
and the quality of reference services.
• The reference interview is “the interpersonal communication that occurs between a reference
librarian and a library user to determine the person’s specific information need(s), which
may turn out to be different from the reference question as initially posed...A reference
interview may occur in person, by telephone, or electronically (usually via e-mail) at the request
of the user, but a well-trained reference librarian will sometimes initiate communication if a
hesitant user appears to need assistance”.

6.5 Keywords

Reference : Suggestion
Clarification : Explanation
Misinterpretation : Misunderstanding
Frustration : Annoyance
Unobtrusive : Inconspicuous

6.6 Review Questions

1. Write the concept of reference and information services.
2. Explain in detail reference interview.
3. Write a note on the parts of a reference interview.
4. Explain the reference interview Techniques in detail.
5. Write the uses of the reference interview.
6. What are the things needed to conduct a successful interview?
7. What are Digital reference services?
8. Discuss the forms of digital references.

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