GLC Reference Services and Research Support 3

Question 1

What is 'virtual reference service' (also called digital reference or chat reference)?

Accepted Answer

The provision of reference assistance through online channels such as chat, email, or text messaging

Answer

A service that uses avatars to represent librarians in the physical library

Answer

An automated system that replaces human librarians with AI for all reference transactions

Answer

A catalog search interface available on the library's website

Question 2

What does 'roving reference' involve in a library setting?

Accepted Answer

A librarian moving proactively through the library to offer assistance rather than waiting at a desk

Answer

Librarians traveling to branch locations on a rotating schedule

Answer

Reference service provided exclusively through mobile apps

Answer

Inter-branch loan of reference materials

Question 3

When a patron's research question exceeds a librarian's expertise, what is the most professionally appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Refer the patron to a subject specialist or another appropriate resource while remaining helpful

Answer

Refuse to assist and direct the patron to a search engine

Answer

Provide the best answer possible without disclosing any uncertainty

Answer

Ask the patron to return when a more experienced librarian is on duty

Question 4

What is the primary goal of 'embedded librarianship'?

Accepted Answer

Placing librarians physically within academic departments, classrooms, or community organizations to integrate library services into users' workflows

Answer

Installing library kiosks inside shopping malls and community centers

Answer

Embedding RFID chips in library materials for inventory management

Answer

Providing library services exclusively through a learning management system

Question 5

Which federal program provides free public access to government science and technology research through an online portal?

Accepted Answer

Science.gov / OSTI.GOV

Answer

IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services)

Answer

E-rate

Answer

LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act)

Question 6

What does a 'tiered reference model' accomplish in a library?

Accepted Answer

It assigns questions to staff based on complexity, routing simple queries to paraprofessionals and complex ones to librarians

Answer

It ranks reference questions by patron age group

Answer

It charges fees based on the difficulty of the reference question

Answer

It limits reference service hours based on staffing levels

Question 7

Which practice best describes 'readers' advisory' service in a public library context?

Accepted Answer

Helping patrons select recreational reading materials that match their interests and preferences

Answer

Advising patrons on the legal status of copyrighted reading materials

Answer

Providing reading instruction to patrons with low literacy levels

Answer

Reviewing and recommending new acquisitions to the collection development committee