IMD236 Chapter 1a REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRIC SERVICES PDF

TOPIC 1: REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRIC SERVICES IMD236: INTRODUCTION TO REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRICS SERVICES IN INFORMATION AGENCIES TOPIC 1: REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRIC SERVICES 1 Definition 2 References Services 3 Types of Reference Sources 01 DEFINITION INFORMATION SERVICES Informati...

TOPIC 1: REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRIC SERVICES IMD236: INTRODUCTION TO REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRICS SERVICES IN INFORMATION AGENCIES TOPIC 1: REFERENCE AND BIBLIOMETRIC SERVICES 1 Definition 2 References Services 3 Types of Reference Sources 01 DEFINITION INFORMATION SERVICES Information services in libraries take a varieties of form including direct personal assistance, directories, signs, exchange of information culled from reference source, reader’s advisory service, dissemination of information in anticipation of users need or interest and access to electronic information. (American Library Association - The Reference and User Services Association) Information services in libraries often involve direct one-on-one assistance, where librarians provide personalized help to users in finding information, answering questions, and navigating library resources. Libraries may also proactively disseminate information to users, anticipating their needs and interests, through various means such as REFERENCE SERVICES Reference services are a core function of libraries, providing users with the information and resources they need. These services encompass a wide range of activities designed to assist patrons in finding and accessing relevant information. Definition of Reference Services What are Reference Services? Other Names for Reference Services Reference services are direct assistance provided Reference services are also known as information to users in utilizing catalogs, indexes, databases, services, customer services, or help desk services. and other finding tools. This helps users locate These terms all refer to the same core function of and access the information they need. providing users with personalized guidance and support. DEFINITION OF BIBLIOMETRIC Analyzing Academic Measuring Scholarly Impact Definition Citations The branch of library science Bibliometrics involves the Through bibliometric methods, concerned with the application of statistical analysis of citations to librarians and researchers can mathematical and statistical determine which research papers evaluate the reach and influence of analysis to bibliography; the are most influential within a given publications, authors, and even statistical analysis of books, academic field. This provides entire fields of study. This helps articles, or other publications. insights into the impact and identify key trends and emerging dissemination of scholarly works. areas of research. (Oxford English Dictionary) 02 REFERENCE SERVICES VARIETIES OF REFERENCE SERVICES The suite of reference services offered by libraries encompasses a diverse range of specialized information assistance. 2. INSTRUCTI 3. 1. ON IN THE GUIDANCE INFORMATI USE OF IN THE ON LIBRARIES CHOICE OF SERVICES AND LIBRARY INFORMATI MATERIALS ON SOURCES 1. INFORMATION SERVICES Provide answer to a user’s question or information need regardless of its complexity or the length of time it takes the librarian to find the answer. It should encourage user awareness of the potential of information resources to fulfill individual information FORMS OF INFORMATION SERVICES 1. Answer Ready Reference Questions 2. Bibliographic Verification 3. Information & Referral Services 4. Answer Research Questions 5. Database Searches 6. Fee-based & Information Brokering 7. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & Document Delivery Services ANSWER READY REFERENCE QUESTIONS 1 Definition A ready reference question is a request for factual information that can be answered quickly by consulting one or two reference tools. These questions constitute the majority of inquiries received at reference desks in public and academic libraries. 2 Characteristics Ready reference questions are typically brief and straightforward, seeking specific details or information. They do not require in-depth research or analysis, but rather a concise, direct response based on the available reference resources. 3 Importance Efficiently answering ready reference questions is a core function of reference services, as it allows librarians to provide timely and useful information to patrons. This helps establish the library as a valuable resource and enhances the overall user experience. BIBLIOGRAPHIC VERIFICATION What is Bibliographic Verification? The Verification Process Bibliographic verification is the process of When performing bibliographic verification, the providing factual information about publications. librarian uses whatever information is available to This involves a librarian searching through printed them to find any missing details about the or electronic bibliographic tools to ensure the document, such as the title, author, publication user's information about a document is correct date, or other key metadata. and complete. INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES Usually in public libraries. These services connect users with the appropriate information sources or experts to address their needs. Librarians guide users to relevant organizations, agencies, or services that can provide more specialized assistance beyond the library's 2 BASIC TYPES OF INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES those that only provide information about agencies – (provide agency name, address & telephone number to user along with some information about the agency. those that provide information and make direct referrals to agencies – librarian contact the agency to verify that it can and will assist the individual; this process will require much more time and effort in organizing material, training staff and coordinating service with local ANSWER RESEARCH QUESTIONS Time-Consuming Answering research questions requires considerable time and effort from the librarian, as the user's information need is often broader and the question is more complex or less clearly defined. Dialogue with User The librarian must carefully review the question with the user to ensure the information need is completely understood by both parties before beginning the research process. Multiple Sources To provide a complete answer, the librarian may need to consult several different sources and cross-reference information from multiple locations. DATABASE SEARCHES Transactional Searches Database searches can be performed as a ready transaction, where the user directly interacts with the database to find information. This allows for immediate and customized search results. Research Assistance Alternatively, database searches can be conducted as part of the provision of research assistance, where a librarian or information professional performs the search on behalf of the user and provides the relevant information. Diverse Data Sources Databases accessed can include local and regional online catalogs, national bibliographic utilities, distant library catalogs, and other electronic files accessible via the internet or locally produced databases. FEE-BASED & INFORMATION BROKERING Found in Libraries Extraordinary Services Fee-based and information brokering services can The fee-based services provided by libraries can be found in both public and academic libraries. include extensive database searching, document These services cater to the specialized information delivery, compiling bibliographies, and expert needs of businesses, professionals, and other consultation. These services go beyond the typical users who are willing to pay for enhanced reference and research assistance offered to research and information services. general library patrons. INTER LIBRARY LOAN & DOCUMENT DELIVERY SERVICE Interlibrary Loan (ILL) The interlibrary loan (ILL) process allows a library patron to obtain materials not available in their local library by borrowing from another library. Document Delivery Service (DDS) The document delivery service (DDS) complements interlibrary loan by obtaining materials, such as journal articles or book chapters, directly from commercial suppliers when they are unavailable through the usual interlibrary loan channels. This ensures patrons can access needed information in a timely manner. 2. INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Instructional services help patrons develop skills and tools to access information quickly and efficiently. It is a major component of reference service in academic and school libraries and an important aspect of reference work in most public libraries and it can be found varying degrees in different kinds of 2 BASIC TYPES OF INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES One-on-One Instruction Group Instruction Instructional services often involve In addition to individual assistance, helping individual patrons libraries also offer group understand how to effectively instructional sessions to teach navigate and utilize the library's patrons, often students, how to collection and resources. Librarians effectively conduct research and provide personalized guidance to use the library's tools and ensure users can quickly and resources. These group lessons efficiently access the information help build essential information they need. literacy skills. TYPES OF INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES a) User Education Program b) Library Orientation c) Library Instruction d) Bibliographic Instruction e) Information Management Education/ Information Literacy Skills a) USER EDUCATION PROGRAM User education programs provide comprehensive training to library patrons on effectively using library resources and services. These programs aim to develop information literacy skills and empower users to become self-sufficient in their research and information-seeking activities. AIMS OF A USER EDUCATION PROGRAM To provide information on the library's services and holdings. To familiarize users with the physical layout of the library. To create an awareness of specialized library services. To provide long term user education in the form of modules which can teach library skills, such as how best to conduct a literature search. To create a positive attitude among users towards the library and its staff. **Central to these aims is the belief that knowing how to find information is as important as the information found. b) LIBRARY ORIENTATION Service activities designed to welcome and introduce users and potential users to services, collections, building layouts, and the organization of materials. These sessions help users become familiar with the library environment and navigate it efficiently to access the information they need. Methods: Guided tour through the reference room Interactive Media Technology Handouts Microcomputers software Guides Video Productions Multi-Media Programme Electronic Bulletin Board Self-guided Audio Tours c) LIBRARY INSTRUCTION Library instruction programs teach users how to effectively search for, access, and evaluate information sources. These programs cover topics such as effective database searching, citation formatting, and critical information literacy skills. c) LIBRARY INSTRUCTION One to one /group instruction. Three (3) frequent forms - teaching how to use library effectively. - suggesting specific strategies to be used in locating and evaluating information. - instructing in the use of specific information sources, both printed and electronic METHODS OF LIBRARY INSTRUCTIONS Lectures Discussions Workbooks Media Presentations Computer Assisted Instructions Handouts d) BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION Defining Bibliographic Scope of Bibliographic Benefits of Bibliographic Instruction Instruction Instruction Bibliographic instruction (BI) BI typically covers a wide By providing BI, libraries can refers to instructional range of topics, including how help users develop critical programs designed to teach to navigate the library's information literacy skills that library users how to catalog, use indexes and will serve them throughout effectively locate the abstracting services, access their academic and information they need. BI bibliographic databases, and professional careers. Well- aims to educate users on the apply relevant research designed BI programs can library's organizational methods. The goal is to increase the efficiency and system, the structure of empower users to become effectiveness of library use, academic literature, and the self-sufficient in their leading to better research appropriate research information-seeking process. outcomes and higher user methodologies for their field satisfaction. of study. METHODS OF BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION Media production Lectures Computer Assisted Small Group Work Instructions Demonstrations Discussions Self-guided Simulations Workbook e) INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EDUCATION/ INFORMATION LITERACY S Instructing users in the identification, retrieval, evaluation and use of information Methods to Carry out Instructional Services 1.Informal One-on-one instruction or point-of-use instruction Quite detailed and the most effective instruction, but occurs "on demand“ e) INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EDUCATION/ INFORMATION LITERACY S 2. Formal a) Tours and Orientation. b) Classroom Presentations. Course-integrated Instruction: One-Shot Lectures or "the fifty-minute stand". c) Collaborative (two-way) Learning d) Tutorials Also known as consultation service. In academic libraries, the consultation focuses on scholarly projects 3. GUIDANCE SERVICES Similar to instruction but somehow different focus; Give advices and assist user in the identification and selection of appropriate materials about a particular topic, rather than teaching specific skills 4 types of services: 1. Reader’s Advisory Services 2. Bibliotherapy 3. Term Paper Counselling 4. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) READER'S ADVISORY SERVICES Helping Readers Find the Right Books Keeping Users Informed Reader's advisory services focus on assisting To support reader's advisory, librarians often library users in selecting books and other utilize current awareness services and provide materials that align with their interests, reading library use instruction. These help users stay up- levels, and goals. Librarians conduct interviews to to-date on new books in their fields of interest and understand the user's needs and then curate learn to effectively navigate the library's personalized reading lists to fulfill those resources. requirements. BIBLIOTHERAPY Bibliotherapy involves the use of reading materials to help users cope with emotional, mental, or social issues. Librarians work closely with users to select literature that can provide insights, comfort, or strategies for addressing their specific challenges. TYPES OF BIBLIOTHERAPY Clinical Bibliotherapy Clinical bibliotherapy uses literature, film, or other media to encourage self-understanding and personal growth among group members. Biblio-therapists carefully select materials tailored to the specific needs of the group to promote introspection and self-discovery. Developmental Bibliotherapy Developmental bibliotherapy aims to promote self-knowledge and general personal growth through the discussion of relevant literature or media. This approach helps individuals expand their perspectives and gain new insights about themselves and the world around them. Group-Based Approach Bibliotherapy is often conducted in a group setting, where members can engage in collective discussion and reflection on the materials presented. This collaborative environment allows for a richer exchange of ideas and a deeper exploration of personal growth. TERM PAPER COUNSELLING Sometimes called term- paper assistance or research consultation. Widespread in academic libraries. Term paper clinics, which consist of group instruction in library use and research skills, May be offered in addition to or instead of the individual SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI) Automated Matching Librarian Assistance SDI involves using computer systems to In addition to the automated matching, automatically match users' predefined librarians can further curate and deliver interest profiles against newly the relevant citations or materials published or received information directly to users. This personalized sources. This is done on a regular service helps ensure users receive the schedule, usually daily or weekly, to most valuable information for their notify users of relevant new content. specific needs and interests.