Reference & Information Services Flashcards

Which reference tool lists books currently in print and available for purchase?

Answer: Books in Print

Books in Print (and its online equivalents) lists titles currently available for purchase from publishers.

A patron wants to understand the difference between a virus and a bacterium. Which reference source is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Medical dictionary or health encyclopedia

A medical dictionary or health encyclopedia provides accessible definitions and explanations of medical concepts for general patrons.

What is 'truncation' in database searching?

Answer: Using a wildcard symbol to retrieve all word forms sharing a common root

Truncation uses a symbol (often *) after a root word to retrieve all variations, such as 'librar*' finding library, librarian, libraries.

Which organization publishes the Dewey Decimal Classification system?

Answer: OCLC (Online Computer Library Center)

OCLC publishes and maintains the Dewey Decimal Classification system.

A patron asks where to find the full text of a US Supreme Court decision. What is the BEST free resource?

Answer: Justia or the official Supreme Court website

Justia and the official US Supreme Court website (supremecourt.gov) provide free access to court opinions.

What distinguishes a 'ready reference' question from a research question?

Answer: Ready reference questions can be answered quickly with a single source

Ready reference questions have brief, factual answers (dates, definitions, names) that can be found quickly in a single reference source.

Which type of index helps locate articles within a specific magazine or journal?

Answer: Periodical index

Periodical indexes (like Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature) systematically index articles published in magazines and journals.