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

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). 


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.


Stage 3: Regularly assess to see if the progress is aimed properly

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

San Jose State University

After specifying the question, the librarian needs to use their reference skills to find adequate information to fill the need and answer the user's question.

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