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Traits of a Successful Reference Librarian.pptx
- 1. Traits of a Successful Reference Librarian Prepared by: Anna Roxane A. La’O
- 2. 1.0 Approachability/Visibility In order to have a successful reference transaction, it is essential that the reference librarian be approachable.
- 3. To be approachable, the librarian: • Highly visible in a physical or virtual location. • Acknowledges patron by using a friendly greeting greeting to initiate conversation. • Offer assistance.
- 4. 2.0 Interest The librarian should embrace each patron's informational need and should be committed to providing the most effective assistance.
- 5. To demonstrate interest, the librarian: • Focus on the patron’s information need. • Faces the patron when speaking and listening. listening. • Signals an understanding of the patron’s needs. needs. • Maintains regular online or voice contact with the patron.
- 6. 3.0 Listening/Inquiring. The librarian should effectively identify the patron's information needs in a manner that puts the patron at ease. Effective listening and questioning skills are necessary for a positive interaction.
- 7. As a good communicator, the librarian: • Allows the patron to fully state his/her own words before responding. • Identifies the goals or objectives of the patron’s patron’s research. • Asks for confirmation to ensure accurate understanding. • Seeks to clarify confusing terminology and avoids jargon.
- 8. • Uses open-ended questions to encourage the patron to expand on the request or present additional information. • Uses closed and/or clarifying questions to refine the search query
- 9. 4.0 Searching The search process is the portion of the transaction in which behavior and accuracy intersect.
- 10. As an effective searcher, the librarian: • Constructs a competent and complete search strategy. • Explains the search strategy to the patron. • Accompanies the patron in the search. • Uses appropriate technology to help guide the patron through information resources.
- 11. 5.0 Follow-up The librarian is responsible for determining if the patron is satisfied with the results of the search, and referring the patron to other sources including those not available through the local library.
- 12. For successful follow-up, the librarian: • Asks the patron if his/her questions have been been completely answered. • Encourages the patron to return if he/she has further questions • Refers the patron to other sources or institutions institutions if the query has not been answered answered to the satisfaction of the patron.
- 13. Master Reference Librarians for a New Age A Study of Characteristics and Traits Joanne Devries and Patricia M. Rodkewich In 1990 the authors conducted interviews with “Master” reference librarians in an effort to determine if these librarians shared traits which could be used to predict success in the field of reference librarianship. From these interviews a list of eight shared characteristics was developed. 1. Approachability 2. Curiosity 3. Empathy 4.Non-judgemental 5. Persistence 6. Competitive 7. Logical thought process. 8. Intuitive. Reference collections and reference work have changed greatly and the authors began to wonder if the list of characteristics remained valid in the electronic reference world. Interviews with “New Age Masters” were used to determine which characteristics were still valid and to identify any new traits needed to succeed. When the authors repeated the study in 1996, all of these were for the most part still highly rated qualities. And two new traits were added; 1. Flexibility and collaborative abilities.