Reference and Information Services Flashcards

A patron asks for the most current statistics on US unemployment rates. Which resource would be MOST appropriate?

Answer: Bureau of Labor Statistics website (bls.gov)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) provides the most current, authoritative US employment and unemployment data.

Which type of reference interview technique involves restating the patron's question in your own words?

Answer: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing involves restating the patron's question in your own words to confirm understanding and show active listening.

A 'ready reference' question is best described as:

Answer: A quick factual question answerable in a short time

Ready reference questions are simple, factual inquiries that can be answered quickly, such as asking for a phone number or a date.

Which classification best describes the periodical index 'Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature'?

Answer: An index to popular magazine articles

Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature is an index that helps users locate articles published in popular general-interest magazines.

When a patron needs legal information, what is the most appropriate action for a library technical assistant?

Answer: Direct the patron to general legal reference resources and note you cannot provide legal advice

Library staff should direct patrons to legal reference resources while clearly stating they cannot provide legal advice, a task reserved for licensed attorneys.

An interlibrary loan (ILL) request is used when:

Answer: The library does not own an item the patron needs

Interlibrary loan allows patrons to borrow materials that their home library does not own by requesting them from another participating library.

Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?

Answer: A biography written about Abraham Lincoln

A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources; a biography about Lincoln is written after the fact by someone interpreting his life.