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
6. Constraints
7. Special needs
   1. Examples of special needs
8. Further Information

Examples of special needs

Learning difficulty

For clients with learning difficulties you might have to look for material of a simpler nature, perhaps with more visual or audio content

English as a second language

These clients may prefer material which is not in English. This might mean having the enquirer at your side while you carry out the search so that they can provide assistance with vocabulary. Alternatively, you may be able to pass the enquiry over to a colleague with appropriate language skills.

Physical impairment

Any material found must be accessible to the client eg websites must be accessible to a visually impaired client.

Now move on to some Further information...