Benjamin Disraeli once said, “A fool wonders, a wise man asks”
SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION
This session is supported by a PowerPoint Presentation
If someone asks for information we try to find the answer that meets their need.
We often don’t know anything about the topic, so to ensure we respond effectively, there are some things we need to find out. We do this by conducting a ‘reference interview’.
1. Define the topic
This information assists in selecting keywords and alternative search terms.
Think about different forms of spelling e.g. colour/color, whales or Wales.
2. Who is the information for?
Is it for an adult or child?
What level of information is needed? e.g. Primary, tertiary, general interest
3. What type of information is needed?
Is it an assignment?
How much information do they want? 5 books or a single printed sheet.
Do they want differing points of view?
Does the information need to be cited?
Do they need pictures?
4. What format or source of information would be best?
Books, journals, internet, or other electronic resource
Current publications, historical articles, newsletters
Atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias
Government reports, statistics?
Once we know this, we can locate and retrieve the information.
Information can be found in a variety of print and electronic resources. You may need to search several.
Start with the most appropriate for the need.
If you are unfamiliar with the terms or words used, you might need to look them up in a dictionary, encyclopedia, or atlas to identify search keywords
Use the Library catalogue to find information on topics and particular items.
Using an appropriate subject heading will retrieve items relating to your topic.
Articles in periodicals can be good sources of current information. These may be in print or electronic format.
Information request forms
- Use this form if you get asked a question that is either complex, or if you can’t find an answer in a reasonable time. We can offer to find information on a deferred basis, using resources not always accessible during a desk shift.
- Staff can choose to complete this request themselves or pass the form to the reference librarian
- Conditions apply.
Inter Library Loan (ILL)
-We are often asked for books or journal articles we don’t hold, but these can often be supplied from another library.
-Use the ILL forms for books or journal articles to record these requests.
-ILL’s are sourced by the ILL officer
-Conditions apply.
INFORMATION ACCESS POINTS
Access points provide you with different ways to search for information. The major points of access are keyword, subject, author and title. These may vary depending on whether you use a print or electronic resource.
In print resources, information is generally accessed from the table of contents or from indexes located in the back of books or journal volumes
REFERENCE BOOKS
AT EG each branch has its own collection of core reference material that is ‘not for loan’
Reference materials serve a variety of purposes. They can provide:
Background or introductory information on a topic
Ways of finding specific material or items on a topic
Statistics or tables of data, as well as technical instruction.
Reference materials are not usually read from cover to cover. They are meant to be consulted quickly. Most reference materials provide useful indexes and /or tables of contents to look up specific information.
Be aware that the information in reference materials may overlap, or the titles may be misleading e.g. dictionaries may be called encyclopedias and vice versa.
LOCAL STUDIES COLLECTION
This is a closed collection of material that is by or about an East Gippslander or about East Gippsland. Many of the items are fragile or rare copies and should be handled with care.
People wishing to access this collection, must first sign an access agreement. Under 18 need parent or teacher consent. Forms are available at the circulation desk.
Items in the Hal Porter Study are ‘not for loan’.
Books and periodicals in this collection are catalogued on AMLIB.
The collection of ephemeral material, brochures, newspaper cuttings and the like, are searched through the Inmagic database.
Any photocopying should be done by staff and a Copyright declaration form should be completed.
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