Reference librarians must visualize the location of the answer by identifying the format (print/internet/database), source type (textual/graphical/statistical), and appropriateness (reference/circulating/children). 


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A reference librarian must do the following to find an adequate answer for the user:

1- Categorize the answer.

2- Visualize how the answer will appear

3- Regularly assess to see if the progress is aimed properly

Stages of Answering the Question in Reference Services

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.)

To categorize the answer, reference librarians must ask themselves the following: 

- Will it be time-consuming or quick?
- Is it simple or complex?
- Is it current or retrospective?
- Is it specific or cross-disciplinary?
- Will it require a single source or multiple sources?
- Is it user appropriate?


Stage 1: Categorize the Answer

Stage 2: Visualize the Answer

To assess progress towards a relevant answer, reference librarians must check with the user while exploring a single resource, looking at subcategories of a question, or providing short summaries of resources.


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