Library Science Professor how-to

How to Teach the Reference Interview

Good questions find real needs.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good questions find real needs. In short: explain; model; role-play, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain the purpose.

  2. Model open questions.

  3. Role-play with students.

  4. Practice clarifying.

  5. Discuss follow-up.

  6. Reflect.

Safety reminders for library science professors

  • Protect student privacy
  • Follow research ethics
  • Support patron privacy principles
  • Follow campus safety

MLIS · ALA · Metadata · Cataloging · Reference interview · Digital library: see the full library science professor glossary.

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