Reference & Information Services Flashcards

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

Answer: A biography about Abraham Lincoln written by a historian

Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources; a biography written by a historian is a secondary source.

A patron asks for help finding peer-reviewed articles on climate change. What is the BEST tool to recommend?

Answer: Academic database such as JSTOR or EBSCOhost

Academic databases like JSTOR and EBSCOhost provide access to peer-reviewed scholarly articles.

What does 'Boolean operator' mean in database searching?

Answer: Words like AND, OR, and NOT used to combine or exclude search terms

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are logical connectors used to broaden or narrow database searches.

Which reference tool would help a patron find the address and phone number of a business in another city?

Answer: City directory or online phone directory

City directories and online phone directories provide contact information for businesses and individuals.

A patron is looking for book reviews published shortly after a novel's release. Where should you direct them?

Answer: Book Review Digest or Book Review Index

Book Review Digest and Book Review Index compile and index reviews from periodicals, organized by title and author.

What is the purpose of a 'pathfinder' or 'research guide' in library services?

Answer: A compiled guide listing key resources on a specific topic to assist researchers

A pathfinder is a curated guide that lists recommended databases, books, and websites on a specific research topic.

When evaluating a website for reference use, which criterion relates to whether the information is current?

Answer: Currency

Currency refers to how up-to-date the information on a website is, which is critical for many reference questions.