MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Reference and User Services Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patron approaches the reference desk and asks, 'Where can I find books about the history of jazz music?' This is an example of which type of reference question?
- Directional
- Ready Reference
- Specific Search (Correct answer)
- Research
Correct answer: Specific Search
This is a specific search question because it requires the librarian to identify a range of appropriate resources (books, articles, databases) on a particular topic. It's more complex than a directional question (e.g., 'Where are the restrooms?') or a ready reference question (e.g., 'What is the capital of Brazil?'), but less in-depth than a research question, which would likely involve a multi-faceted, ongoing investigation.
Question 2: A key component of the reference interview is the use of open-ended questions. Which of the following questions is the best example of an open-ended question?
- Are you looking for a specific book?
- Have you already checked the online catalog?
- Tell me more about the information you are looking for on this topic. (Correct answer)
- Do you need scholarly articles for your assignment?
Correct answer: Tell me more about the information you are looking for on this topic.
Open-ended questions are designed to encourage the user to provide a detailed response rather than a simple 'yes' or 'no.' The question 'Tell me more about the information you are looking for on this topic' invites the patron to elaborate on their information need, allowing the librarian to better understand the context and scope of their query. The other options are closed-ended questions that limit the patron's response.
Question 3: An academic librarian is designing a one-shot library instruction session for an undergraduate history course. The professor wants students to understand that historical interpretations change over time and that sources reflect the context in which they were created. Which ACRL Framework for Information Literacy 'frame' does this learning goal most directly address?
- Research as Inquiry
- Scholarship as Conversation
- Information Creation as a Process
- Authority Is Constructed and Contextual (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Authority Is Constructed and Contextual
The concept that authority is constructed and contextual is central to this scenario. This frame helps students understand that information sources reflect their creators' expertise and credibility, and that what is considered an authoritative source can change depending on the information need and the cultural, historical, or disciplinary context.
Question 4: A public library patron who loves historical fiction novels by author Ken Follett asks the librarian for a recommendation of something similar to read next. The service the librarian provides to help the patron find a new author or title is best known as:
- Bibliographic Instruction
- Readers' Advisory (Correct answer)
- Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
- Current Awareness Service (CAS)
Correct answer: Readers' Advisory
Readers' Advisory is the service of suggesting fiction and nonfiction titles to readers. It involves an interview to determine a reader's interests and then suggesting 'read-alikes' based on elements like author, genre, plot, and writing style. Bibliographic instruction teaches users how to find information, while SDI and CAS are alerting services, often for scholarly or professional topics.
Question 5: According to the RUSA 'Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers,' which of the following is a key behavior associated with 'Approachability'?
- Paraphrasing the user's question to ensure understanding.
- Conducting a systematic search using a variety of sources.
- Maintaining visibility to users and using welcoming body language. (Correct answer)
- Following up with the user to ensure their question was fully answered.
Correct answer: Maintaining visibility to users and using welcoming body language.
The RUSA guidelines identify several key areas of behavioral performance. Maintaining visibility, using welcoming body language, making eye contact, and offering a greeting are all part of being approachable, which makes patrons feel comfortable seeking help. Paraphrasing is part of 'Listening/Inquiring,' systematic searching is part of 'Searching,' and following up is its own category, 'Follow-Up.'
Question 6: A small, rural public library has a limited budget for reference materials. They need a single, reliable source that can quickly answer a wide variety of factual questions on topics like world events, population statistics, sports records, and government leaders. Which type of reference source would be the most cost-effective and appropriate choice to meet this need?
- A multi-volume, subject-specific encyclopedia
- A comprehensive biographical dictionary
- An annual almanac or yearbook (Correct answer)
- A specialized scientific handbook
Correct answer: An annual almanac or yearbook
An annual almanac, such as The World Almanac and Book of Facts, is designed to provide quick answers to a vast range of ready-reference and factual questions. It is updated yearly, relatively inexpensive, and covers a broad spectrum of popular topics, making it an ideal choice for a library with a limited budget needing a versatile, general-purpose reference tool. The other options are too specialized for this library's primary need.
MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Reference and User Services Questions and Answers
A patron approaches the reference desk and asks, 'Where can I find books about the history of jazz music?' This is an example of which type of reference question?