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

Available formats

There are many formats available, including several as a result of the introduction of ICT.

• Your search may direct the client to items of library stock, to be used in the library or borrowed for home use. This could include:

• Printed reference sources or information CD-ROMs
• Books, audio or video material for home borrowing
• Magazines and journals
• Pamphlets or leaflets

• The search results may be bibliographies or lists of website references for the client to follow up.

• The results may be viewed on screen by client, in the form of text, audio or video.

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