Reference:  Module 1

Introduction

1. Nature and Development of Reference and Information Services

1.1. Definition of terms

• Reference. A conventional word or phrase used in a work to refer the reader to another part of the text (see above or see below) or a similar word or phrase used in an index, catalog, or reference work to direct the user from one heading or entry to another 

• Reference Source. Any publication from which authoritative information can be obtained.

• Reference Collection. Books containing authoritative information not meant to be read cover to cover, such as dictionaries, handbooks, and encyclopedias, shelved together by call number in a special section of the library called the reference section or stacks

• Reference Desk. Library assistance can be obtained by contacting the public service point, usually located near the library's reference collection, in person, by telephone, or in some libraries via e-mail.

• Reference Librarian. A librarian who works in public services, answering questions posed by library patrons at a reference desk, by telephone, or via e-mail. He/she can also be called upon to provide point-of-use instruction on the use of library resources and information technology.

• Reference question. A request from a library user for assistance in locating specific information or in using library resources in general, made in person, by telephone, or electronically. 

• Reference Interview. The interpersonal communication that occurs between a reference librarian and a library user to determine the person's specific information need, which may turn out to be different than the reference question as initially posed.

• Reference transaction. Information consultations in which library staff recommend, interpret, evaluate, and/or use information resources to help others to meet particular information needs. 

• Reference Process. The process of answering questions or the process of satisfying specific, recurrent information needs.

• Reference Statistics. Librarians who work at the reference desk keep a daily transaction log in which they record reference questions, usually by hour and type of question.

• Reference Services. All the functions performed by a trained librarian: answering questions, instructing users in the selection and use of appropriate tools and techniques for finding information, conducting searches on behalf of the patron, directing users to the location of library resources, assisting in the evaluation of information, referring patrons to resources outside the library keeping reference statistics, participating in the development of the reference collection

1.2. Historical background

                1.1.2.1. Beginnings of reference service

                1.1.2.2. Pioneers of reference service

1.3. Functions of reference service

                1.1.3.1. Supervision

                1.1.3.2. Information

                1.1.3.3. Instruction

                1.1.3.4. Guidance

                1.1.3.5. Bibliographic Control

                1.1.3.6. Appraisal

        1.2. The Reference Department

            1.2.1. Organization structure

            1.2.2. Functions

                1.2.2.1. Philosophy of reference service

                1.2.2.2. Reference collection policy

                1.2.2.3. Evaluation

            1.2.3. Personnel

                1.2.3.1. Qualities and qualifications of a reference librarian

                1.2.3.2. Duties and responsibilities

        1.3. Relation of Reference Service to the Other Library Services

            1.3.1. Administrative Department / Technical Services Department

                1.3.1.1. Acquisitions

                1.3.1.2. Cataloging

                1.3.1.3. Bibliography and Indexing

                1.3.1.4. Reprographic Service

            1.3.2. Readers’ Services Department

                1.3.2.1. Circulation/Loan Desk

                1.3.2.2. Serials/Periodicals Section

                1.3.2.3. Special Collections