LTA Reference & Information Services 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patron asks for information about a topic but struggles to articulate what they need. What is the BEST first step for the library assistant?
- Conduct a reference interview to clarify the patron's actual need (Correct answer)
- Immediately search the catalog using the patron's exact words
- Refer the patron to a librarian without further questions
- Provide a list of general resources on the broadest related topic
Correct answer: Conduct a reference interview to clarify the patron's actual need
A reference interview helps staff understand the patron's true information need before searching.
Question 2: Which resource is MOST appropriate for finding the definition and etymology of a word?
- Thesaurus
- Dictionary (Correct answer)
- Encyclopedia
- Almanac
Correct answer: Dictionary
Dictionaries provide word definitions, pronunciations, and etymological origins.
Question 3: A patron needs statistics on US population by state. Which resource is the BEST starting point?
- World Almanac
- US Census Bureau website (Correct answer)
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- Congressional Record
Correct answer: US Census Bureau website
The US Census Bureau is the authoritative source for official US population and demographic statistics.
Question 4: What does 'vertical file' refer to in a library context?
- A digital database organized by date
- A collection of pamphlets, clippings, and ephemeral materials filed by subject (Correct answer)
- A catalog of periodical back issues
- A shelf arrangement for oversized books
Correct answer: A collection of pamphlets, clippings, and ephemeral materials filed by subject
A vertical file is a collection of pamphlets, clippings, and other ephemera organized by subject in filing cabinets.
Question 5: Which type of reference source would best help a patron find a poem by a specific author?
- Poetry index or anthology (Correct answer)
- Literary criticism database
- Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature
- Biographical dictionary
Correct answer: Poetry index or anthology
Poetry indexes and anthologies are designed to locate specific poems by author, title, or subject.
Question 6: A patron wants to know if a local business is reputable. Which resource is MOST useful?
- Chamber of Commerce directory
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) records (Correct answer)
- Local newspaper archive
- State business incorporation records
Correct answer: Better Business Bureau (BBB) records
The Better Business Bureau maintains complaint and rating records that help patrons evaluate business reputations.
Question 7: What is 'interlibrary loan' (ILL)?
- A service allowing patrons to borrow items from another library when not locally available (Correct answer)
- A program that lends reference books outside the library building
- A system for sharing electronic resources between library branches
- A policy allowing patrons to check out extra items during a promotion
Correct answer: A service allowing patrons to borrow items from another library when not locally available
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service where libraries borrow materials from other libraries on behalf of patrons.
LTA Reference & Information Services 2
A patron asks for information about a topic but struggles to articulate what they need.
What is the BEST first step for the library assistant?