LTA Reference and Information Services 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'truncation' symbol in database searches?
- To exclude irrelevant results from a search
- To retrieve variations of a root word (e.g., librar* retrieves library, libraries, librarian) (Correct answer)
- To search for an exact phrase
- To limit results by publication date
Correct answer: To retrieve variations of a root word (e.g., librar* retrieves library, libraries, librarian)
Truncation uses a symbol (commonly * or ?) at the end of a root word to retrieve all variations, broadening the search efficiently.
Question 2: Which principle guides the ethical obligation of library staff to keep patron records and reading histories confidential?
- Freedom of Information Act
- Library patron privacy and confidentiality (Correct answer)
- Copyright law
- Collection development policy
Correct answer: Library patron privacy and confidentiality
Library patron privacy and confidentiality is a core professional principle protecting what materials patrons borrow or what they search for.
Question 3: An atlas is MOST useful for answering which type of reference question?
- What is the population of France?
- Where is the Nile River located relative to Egypt's cities? (Correct answer)
- Who was the first president of the United States?
- What does the word 'geography' mean?
Correct answer: Where is the Nile River located relative to Egypt's cities?
An atlas contains maps and geographic data, making it ideal for spatial questions about locations, rivers, and physical features.
Question 4: When a patron cannot find a specific periodical issue in the library's print collection, what should the library technical assistant check FIRST?
- Discard the search and tell the patron the item does not exist
- Check whether the library has an electronic or digital subscription to the periodical (Correct answer)
- Place an immediate interlibrary loan without checking further
- Tell the patron to visit a different library
Correct answer: Check whether the library has an electronic or digital subscription to the periodical
Many libraries have electronic subscriptions to periodicals, so checking for digital access is the logical first step before pursuing ILL.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a 'citation' in academic research?
- To make a paper appear longer
- To acknowledge sources and allow readers to locate original materials (Correct answer)
- To summarize an entire book in one sentence
- To replace the need to read the original source
Correct answer: To acknowledge sources and allow readers to locate original materials
Citations credit original sources, support academic integrity, and allow readers to trace and verify the information used in research.
Question 6: Which of the following best illustrates a 'vertical file' collection in a library?
- A shelf of hardcover books arranged by Dewey number
- A collection of pamphlets, clippings, and ephemera stored in file folders (Correct answer)
- A digitized database of magazine articles
- A display of new book acquisitions
Correct answer: A collection of pamphlets, clippings, and ephemera stored in file folders
A vertical file is a collection of pamphlets, brochures, newspaper clippings, and ephemera organized in file folders for quick reference.
Question 7: A patron says they found a website with health information and asks if it is reliable. Which factor is MOST important to evaluate?
- The website has colorful graphics and easy navigation
- The website is produced or reviewed by a credentialed medical or government authority (Correct answer)
- The website appears at the top of search engine results
- The website has a large number of social media shares
Correct answer: The website is produced or reviewed by a credentialed medical or government authority
Credentialed authorship or sponsorship by recognized medical or government organizations (like CDC or NIH) is the strongest indicator of health information reliability.
LTA Reference and Information Services 5
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'truncation' symbol in database searches?