Librarian how-to
How to Conduct a Reference Interview
Good questions uncover what patrons really need.
Quick answer
Good questions uncover what patrons really need. In short: greet; ask; clarify, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Greet the patron warmly.
Ask open questions.
Clarify the purpose and level needed.
Search together.
Evaluate sources.
Follow up to check if it helped.
Safety reminders for librarians
- Protect patron privacy
- Follow emergency procedures
- Lift boxes of books properly
- Maintain a safe, welcoming space
Key terms
Reference interview · Collection development · Cataloging · Dewey Decimal System · Library of Congress Classification · ILS: see the full librarian glossary.