Understanding reference transactions transforming an art into a science / [electronic resource] :
edited by John V. Richardson, Jr.
- San Diego, Calif. : Academic Press, c2002.
- 1 online resource (xviii, 208 p.) : ill.
- Library and information science, v. 2 1876-0562 ; .
- Library and information science (New York, N.Y.) ; v. 2. .
Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-194) and index.
The multilevel nature of reference service / John V. Richardson -- Systems analysis of the reference process / John V. Richardson -- Defining and modeling reference service / John V. Richardson -- Evaluating and measuring reference service / John V. Richardson -- Multilevel modeling and reference service evaluation / John V. Richardson -- Data analysis and findings / John V. Richardson -- Conclusions and implications / John V. Richardson.
The goal of this book is to improve reference service in libraries and information centers, by improving the accuracy of answering capabilities. The authors provide a detailed analysis of the question-answering process and methods of evaluating the completeness, usefulness, user satisfaction, and accuracy of the information provided. This is an important contribution to library studies, and it will be a useful textbook for teaching references courses in library schools. Powerful research models help explain what is happening in the reference transaction. It encompasses a comprehensive review of the research literature. It offers a unique systems analysis of the reference transaction and includes a detailed appendix of the concepts, operational definitions, and research variables used to measure outcomes as well as statistical results from all known prior studies.
Reference services (Libraries) Interviewing. Language Arts & Disciplines--Library & Information Science--General. Reference--General. Library & information sciences.