First, the reference librarian needs to conduct a reference interview with the user to specify the question as much as possible to focus their search aim and find the most relevant results and resources for the user.

Specifying the Question in Reference Services

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.

Answering the Question in Reference Services

Reference services are generally broken into two parts:

1- Specifying the question

2- Answering the question

San Jose State University

Services provided by librarians to help users find resources that fulfill their information needs.

Reference Services in Libraries

Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2009). Reference and information services in the 21st century: An introduction (2nd ed.). Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Reference and information services in the 21st century: An introduction

Guidelines approved by the Reference and User Services Association Board of Directors for having a successful reference interview include:

- visibility/approachability
- interest
- listening/inquiring
- searching
- follow-up

RUSA Guidelines

Two Parts of Reference Services

Reference services can take place: 
- in person at the library
- on the telephone
- online
- via SMS (text) messaging


Reference Services Channels in Libraries

These are variations of references services offered as a part of Information Commons spaces

Reference Services in Information Commons

These are variations of references services offered as a part of Learning Commons spaces.

Reference Services in Learning Commons

The purpose of a record is to be used by patrons to gain information on a certain topic. An archivist can help the person find what they are looking for through reference services.

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