The Evolution of the Reference Interview

26 Legal Reference Services Quarterly 35 (2007).

Hofstra Univ. Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2014-12

13 Pages Posted: 28 Mar 2009 Last revised: 26 Apr 2014

See all articles by Courtney Selby

Courtney Selby

St. John's University - School of Law

Date Written: March 27, 2009

Abstract

While the reference interview remains the vehicle whereby librarians are able to understand the information needs of users in order to assist them, the ways in which the reference interview is conducted have changed with time and technology. This chapter provides a brief history of the evolution of the reference interview, from the face-to-face transaction to the current trends of e-mail and chat software mediated reference interviews, and examines application of these current trends in virtual reference services. While the methods of conducting the reference interview have certainly changed, the ultimate goal of meeting the information needs of the user remains constant.

Keywords: law libraries, reference interview, virtual reference, digital reference, instant messenger, e-mail, chat

Suggested Citation

Selby, Courtney, The Evolution of the Reference Interview (March 27, 2009). 26 Legal Reference Services Quarterly 35 (2007)., Hofstra Univ. Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2014-12, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1369212

Courtney Selby (Contact Author)

St. John's University - School of Law ( email )

8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
United States

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