[Company name]
AIS3703
Assignment 3
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
Semester 1
2025 - DUE 15
May 2025.
NO PLAGIARISM
user
[Date]
,Question 1 One of the characteristics of a fully-fledged librarian is to perform
reference works. Explain the concept reference librarians and further discuss
the cornerstones of the reference work. [50] Question components Mark
allocation Introduction and background 5 Deliberation of the concept
reference librarian 10 Discussion of the cornerstones of the reference work
with examples 30 References 5 TOTAL 50 MARKS
1. Introduction and Background (5 Marks)
A library is more than just a collection of books—it's a hub of information services where users
seek assistance in locating, understanding, and using information effectively. At the heart of this
process is the reference librarian, a professional trained not only to guide users but to foster
independent information literacy. The evolution of libraries from physical book repositories to
digital knowledge centers has expanded the role of the reference librarian, making reference
work a cornerstone of modern librarianship.
2. Deliberation of the Concept: Reference Librarian (10 Marks)
A reference librarian is a qualified information professional who assists users in accessing and
evaluating information sources to meet their needs. Their role is not limited to answering factual
questions but extends to helping patrons develop research strategies, use catalogues and
databases, and critically assess information. Reference librarians often possess subject
specialization, strong communication skills, and technological proficiency to meet diverse user
needs in academic, public, and special library settings.
Functions of a reference librarian include:
Conducting reference interviews to understand user queries.
Guiding users in using reference tools (e.g., encyclopedias, databases, bibliographies).
Teaching users how to access and evaluate information sources.
Staying updated with emerging technologies and digital resources.
In the 21st century, the reference librarian also supports virtual users through digital reference
services (like email, chat, or online portals), contributing to equitable access to information.
3. Discussion of the Cornerstones of Reference Work with Examples (30 Marks)
, The cornerstones of reference work refer to the fundamental principles and practices that guide
reference services. These include:
3.1. The Reference Interview
This is the process of engaging the user in conversation to clarify their information need. It
requires active listening and effective questioning techniques.
Example: A student asks for “articles on climate change,” and through probing, the librarian
learns the student needs peer-reviewed studies on the effects of climate change in East Africa for
a geography assignment.
3.2. Knowledge of Reference Sources
Reference librarians must be familiar with a wide range of resources—both print and electronic.
Example: A reference librarian may guide a user to Oxford English Dictionary for word
etymology or suggest Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, or JSTOR for academic articles.
3.3. Information Literacy Education
Reference work involves teaching users how to locate, evaluate, and use information
responsibly.
Example: A librarian may conduct workshops on plagiarism, citation styles, or how to navigate
a digital library portal.
3.4. Ethical and Unbiased Assistance
Librarians must provide fair, non-judgmental support, respecting privacy and intellectual
freedom.
Example: Offering research help without bias regardless of the patron’s age, background, or the
nature of their inquiry.
3.5. Use of Technology in Reference Services
Modern reference services incorporate online databases, chat reference, and digital libraries.
Example: A virtual reference librarian answers a research question through live chat, sends links
to digital resources, and follows up via email.
3.6. Evaluation and Follow-Up
Ensuring that the user is satisfied and that the information provided meets their need is critical.
AIS3703
Assignment 3
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
Semester 1
2025 - DUE 15
May 2025.
NO PLAGIARISM
user
[Date]
,Question 1 One of the characteristics of a fully-fledged librarian is to perform
reference works. Explain the concept reference librarians and further discuss
the cornerstones of the reference work. [50] Question components Mark
allocation Introduction and background 5 Deliberation of the concept
reference librarian 10 Discussion of the cornerstones of the reference work
with examples 30 References 5 TOTAL 50 MARKS
1. Introduction and Background (5 Marks)
A library is more than just a collection of books—it's a hub of information services where users
seek assistance in locating, understanding, and using information effectively. At the heart of this
process is the reference librarian, a professional trained not only to guide users but to foster
independent information literacy. The evolution of libraries from physical book repositories to
digital knowledge centers has expanded the role of the reference librarian, making reference
work a cornerstone of modern librarianship.
2. Deliberation of the Concept: Reference Librarian (10 Marks)
A reference librarian is a qualified information professional who assists users in accessing and
evaluating information sources to meet their needs. Their role is not limited to answering factual
questions but extends to helping patrons develop research strategies, use catalogues and
databases, and critically assess information. Reference librarians often possess subject
specialization, strong communication skills, and technological proficiency to meet diverse user
needs in academic, public, and special library settings.
Functions of a reference librarian include:
Conducting reference interviews to understand user queries.
Guiding users in using reference tools (e.g., encyclopedias, databases, bibliographies).
Teaching users how to access and evaluate information sources.
Staying updated with emerging technologies and digital resources.
In the 21st century, the reference librarian also supports virtual users through digital reference
services (like email, chat, or online portals), contributing to equitable access to information.
3. Discussion of the Cornerstones of Reference Work with Examples (30 Marks)
, The cornerstones of reference work refer to the fundamental principles and practices that guide
reference services. These include:
3.1. The Reference Interview
This is the process of engaging the user in conversation to clarify their information need. It
requires active listening and effective questioning techniques.
Example: A student asks for “articles on climate change,” and through probing, the librarian
learns the student needs peer-reviewed studies on the effects of climate change in East Africa for
a geography assignment.
3.2. Knowledge of Reference Sources
Reference librarians must be familiar with a wide range of resources—both print and electronic.
Example: A reference librarian may guide a user to Oxford English Dictionary for word
etymology or suggest Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, or JSTOR for academic articles.
3.3. Information Literacy Education
Reference work involves teaching users how to locate, evaluate, and use information
responsibly.
Example: A librarian may conduct workshops on plagiarism, citation styles, or how to navigate
a digital library portal.
3.4. Ethical and Unbiased Assistance
Librarians must provide fair, non-judgmental support, respecting privacy and intellectual
freedom.
Example: Offering research help without bias regardless of the patron’s age, background, or the
nature of their inquiry.
3.5. Use of Technology in Reference Services
Modern reference services incorporate online databases, chat reference, and digital libraries.
Example: A virtual reference librarian answers a research question through live chat, sends links
to digital resources, and follows up via email.
3.6. Evaluation and Follow-Up
Ensuring that the user is satisfied and that the information provided meets their need is critical.
