AIS3703 ASSIGNMENT 01
SEMESTER 01 2024
ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
FOR ASSIGNMENT, PORTFOLIO & EXAM
ASSISTANCE
WHATSAPP: +27 78 158 2606
,Table of Contents
Question 1............................................................................................................. 1
Reference librarian and the four pillars of reference work..................................1
Introduction and discussion of Reference librarian..........................................1
Four pillars of reference work..........................................................................1
Question 2............................................................................................................. 5
i. User advice defined......................................................................................... 5
ii. The steps involved in the design of a user advisory program.........................5
Question 3............................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Library services are affected by a number of factors and they can either
flourish or decline. Discuss the statement in the library and information service
of your choice..................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Professional librarians differ from paraprofessionals as they carry certain
attributes that make them unique. Identify professional attributes and discuss,
with examples, how these professional attributes enhance service delivery in
the library......................................................................................................... 10
References........................................................................................................... 13
, Question 1
Reference librarian and the four pillars of reference work
Introduction and discussion of Reference librarian
A reference librarian acts as a liaison between the user and the printed or electronic
source of information they are looking for (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75). A reference
librarian may connect an adult with a rare book available in just a few libraries, or a
kid with knowledge needed for a scientific project (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75). If
nothing else, acting as this connection necessitates having a thorough
understanding of a wide range of reference materials across several topic areas as
well as the communication abilities to identify the precise nature of the information
needed when the user is unable to express it clearly. Information practitioners who
focus on sources and those who focus on people are occasionally used to categorise
reference librarians (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75).
Four pillars of reference work
The four pillars of reference work, also known as the four cornerstones of reference
work, these pillars are based on an understanding of the user, their needs, and the
established service standards (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 76).
1. Assistance to the user
According to Meyer and Fourie (2017: 76), currently, the reference worker's primary
responsibility is to assist individuals in locating the information they need. Reference
1
SEMESTER 01 2024
ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
FOR ASSIGNMENT, PORTFOLIO & EXAM
ASSISTANCE
WHATSAPP: +27 78 158 2606
,Table of Contents
Question 1............................................................................................................. 1
Reference librarian and the four pillars of reference work..................................1
Introduction and discussion of Reference librarian..........................................1
Four pillars of reference work..........................................................................1
Question 2............................................................................................................. 5
i. User advice defined......................................................................................... 5
ii. The steps involved in the design of a user advisory program.........................5
Question 3............................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Library services are affected by a number of factors and they can either
flourish or decline. Discuss the statement in the library and information service
of your choice..................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Professional librarians differ from paraprofessionals as they carry certain
attributes that make them unique. Identify professional attributes and discuss,
with examples, how these professional attributes enhance service delivery in
the library......................................................................................................... 10
References........................................................................................................... 13
, Question 1
Reference librarian and the four pillars of reference work
Introduction and discussion of Reference librarian
A reference librarian acts as a liaison between the user and the printed or electronic
source of information they are looking for (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75). A reference
librarian may connect an adult with a rare book available in just a few libraries, or a
kid with knowledge needed for a scientific project (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75). If
nothing else, acting as this connection necessitates having a thorough
understanding of a wide range of reference materials across several topic areas as
well as the communication abilities to identify the precise nature of the information
needed when the user is unable to express it clearly. Information practitioners who
focus on sources and those who focus on people are occasionally used to categorise
reference librarians (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 75).
Four pillars of reference work
The four pillars of reference work, also known as the four cornerstones of reference
work, these pillars are based on an understanding of the user, their needs, and the
established service standards (Meyer and Fourie 2017: 76).
1. Assistance to the user
According to Meyer and Fourie (2017: 76), currently, the reference worker's primary
responsibility is to assist individuals in locating the information they need. Reference
1
