6.1 Define the detail of a complex enquiry in conjunction with the client

Table of Contents

1. Reference interview techniques for complex enquiries
2. Eliciting information and advice from knowledgeable clients
3. Determining the nature of detailed information to be provided
   1. Quantity
   2. Level
   3. Other factors affecting level
   4. Format
   5. Other factors affecting format
4. Constraints

Other factors affecting level

The most obvious example is where the client is making the enquiry on behalf of someone else. Typical examples would include:

• a teacher or lecturer looking for material which could be used by school or college students
• parents seeking information for use by their child
• a specialist in one field who is a beginner in another eg: a consultant surgeon investigating horticulture
• a therapist or social worker searching for information for one of their clients

Linguistic ability can be misleading. An overseas visitor with a limited grasp of English or someone with a speech impediment may have extensive knowledge of the topic under investigation.

You have probably thought of other similar examples.

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