Reference interview

A reference interview is a conversation between a librarian and a library user, usually at a reference desk, in which the librarian responds to the user's initial explanation of his or her information need by first attempting to clarify that need and then by directing the user to appropriate information resources. A reference interview is a conversation between a librarian and a library user, usually at a reference desk, in which the librarian responds to the user's initial explanation of his or her information need by first attempting to clarify that need and then by directing the user to appropriate information resources. Bopp & Smith (1995) defines the reference interview as the 'conversation between a member of the library reference staff and a library user for the purpose of clarifying the user’s needs and aiding the user in meeting those needs'. According to ODLIS, the reference interview is 'the interpersonal communication that occurs between a reference librarian and a library user to determine the person's specific information need(s), which may turn out to be different from the reference question as initially posed...A reference interview may occur in person, by telephone, or electronically (usually via e-mail) at the request of the user, but a well-trained reference librarian will sometimes initiate communication if a hesitant user appears to need assistance'. Stephen Abram finds the library as conversation a vital component to the profession. In regards to the reference question, 'Our core skills are the skills and competencies required to improve the quality of the question.' The reference interview is structured to help the librarian provide answers to the library user. In general, the interview is composed of the following stages.