1.1 Define the precise nature of the enquiry in conjunction with the client

Table of Contents

1. The Reference Interview
2. Finding out what the client wants to know
3. Spoken and written communication
4. Open and Closed Questions
5. Nature of information required
   1. Quantity
   2. Level
   3. Level of information required
   4. Format
   5. Available formats
6. Constraints
7. Special needs
8. Further Information

Level of information required

The following points are a good guide:

• the client's age (but remember age does not automatically bring wisdom!)
• the client's educational attainment
• the client's display of specialist knowledge
• the client's linguistic ability
• whether the information is intended for the client themselves or for use by other people.

Tactful questioning can be used to make an estimation of the points listed above.

Now move on to the Format of information required ...