The person asking the question is not the user who needs the information. A librarian must recognize this situation to understand that the person asking the question may or may not be able to answer clarifying questions. This is a challenging situation for a librarian who wants to help fulfill an information need.  

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- imposed query
- communications trap
- negative closure

Problematic Strategies in the Reference Interview

Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2018). Reference and information services: An introduction (Fourth ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.

Reference and information services: An introduction (Fourth ed.)

Imposed Query

The librarian misunderstands a user's question due to a different pronunciation of a word. To avoid this situation, the librarian should repeat the question to the user, confirm the question, and ask clarifying questions. 

Communications Trap

The librarian is not inclined to ask clarifying questions and help the user find the information they need. Their only goal is to dismiss the user as quickly as possible. 

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