Reference interviews
Effective reference interviews are key to quality service in information organisations. First establish the client's initial enquiry, then ask additional questions to clarify and reveal further details about the information need. The following resources will help get you started:
Conducting the Reference Interview by Publication Date: 2019
Reference and Information Services: an Introduction, 6th Edition by Publication Date: 2020
Reference and Information Sources and Services for Children and Young Adults by Publication Date: 2022
Providing Reference Services: A practical guide for librarians by Publication Date: 2017
- Reference Guide for Library Staff and StudentsLibrary Guide published by University of Texas at Dallas Library.
Useful websites:
- The Reference InterviewOnline learning module based on RUSA Guidelines, provided by Ohio Library Council.
- Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) GuidelinesGuidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers 2023.
Library guides
Library guides collect and display subject-based or discipline-based resources for a specific audience. The best library guides are user-focused, and provide direct links to resources as well as advice for finding more information. They act as introductions and wayfinding tools for specific areas within a collection.
Top Tips for library guides
Consider your users
Your libguide should address the needs of your users. What have they asked for? What do they need to do? How can your guide help them to do that?
Use reliable, accurate and accessible content
Check the accuracy and credibility of the content you use. Ensure all the links work. If linked content is not publicly available, make sure your users will have the login/authentication to access it.
Ensure the guide is well-organised and easy to read
Use headings and titles that are meaningful and descriptive. Use simple language and be selective, to ensure the content is concise and easy to understand. Organise your libguides so users can easily scan and navigate the content.
Adapted from Libguide Design: Best practices and guidelines.
Professional journals
In addition to scholarly resources, professional or trade journals may be useful for your assessments. These are written by librarians and often discuss experiences of working directly with client groups. Some key professional journals in the library and information studies sector include:
- INCITEJournal of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
- AccessJournal of the Australian School Library Association (ASLA).
- Focus (archive)Archive of the Journal of The Society of College, National and University Libraries, UK and Ireland (SCONUL).
- Information ProfessionalJournal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, UK (CILIP).
- American LibrariesJournal of the American Library Association (ALA).
- Public LibrariesJournal of the American Library Association (ALA).
- School Library JournalUS publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.
User groups and service design
In your assessments you will be discussing the user experience of clients in your chosen information service. Look not only at library-specific information, but also at information that is broader in scope. The following resources will help you get started:
Creating Inclusive Library Environments by Publication Date: 2016
Information Services to Diverse Populations by Publication Date: 2017
Information Services Today: An Introduction by Publication Date: 2022
Managing Reference Today by Publication Date: 2017
Useful websites:
- Learning about users and their needsFrom the UK Government service manual.
- Understanding user needsFrom the NSW Government Digital Service Toolkit.
- Understand user needsFrom the Australian Government Digital Service Standard criteria.
Writing for the web
- Resources for web writersTraining resources prepared by digital content specialists, 4syllables.
- Writing for the webMonash University guide.
- Read: How people read onlineArticle published by user experience specialists, Nielsen Norman Group.
- Watch: The Biggest mistake in writing for the webRecording produced by user experience specialists, Nielsen Norman Group.
Using images online
Images add visual interest to your page. However, copyright, licensing and other conditions apply when using images on the web (even when it's for educational purposes!). Our libguide explains the copyright implications of using images:
Consider using images that can be shared under a creative commons license. The following databases contain high-quality, copyright-free images, available to use with attribution:
