Article Abstract #2

Whisner, Mary. Finding Out What They Want to Know. 93 Law Library Journal 727 (2001)

Whisner begins this article by saying that, when asked how her job is going, she jokes, “Reference is looking up!”[1] However, before a reference librarian can look something up for a patron, they must first conduct a reference interview. This article examines some of the common mistakes that librarians can make into while doing this.

The author reminds us that patrons’ questions are often “opening gamebits”[2] and further probing must be done to find out what they really need. The example that Whisner gives is the request for a case. Sometimes the patron truly wants to read case law and has a specific case in mind. Other times the patron really just wants more information on a subject and, as a novice legal researcher, believes that finding cases is the entirety of legal research. There is also a warning against pressuring patrons into choosing the information source and format (i.e. print or electronic) that the librarian believes to be the most effective.

Reference requests come in person, via a quick note or e-mail (the usual method of faculty) or via a third person (e.g. secretary). The fist allows the librarian to ask follow up questions and conduct a proper reference interview. The second and third require a bit more effort on the part of the librarian to follow up and make sure they understand the request before committing time and energy to a pointless search.

[1] Mary Whisner, Finding Out What They Want to Know, 93 Law Libr. J 727, 727 (2001)
[2] Id at 728