How Do You Spell REFERENCE INTERVIEW?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛfɹəns ˈɪntəvjˌuː] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the term "reference interview" is [ˈrɛfərəns ˈɪntərvjuː]. The first part, "reference," is spelled with the letters r-e-f-e-r-e-n-c-e, with the stress on the first syllable. The second part, "interview," is spelled i-n-t-e-r-v-i-e-w, with the stress on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription helps to indicate the correct pronunciation of each sound in the word, making it easier to accurately spell and pronounce the term. A reference interview is a conversation between a librarian and a patron to determine their information needs.

REFERENCE INTERVIEW Meaning and Definition

1. A reference interview is a systematic and interactive conversation between a librarian or information professional and a library patron or user, aimed at understanding the user's needs and guiding them towards the appropriate information resources or services. It is a key component of the reference and information services provided by libraries.

   In a reference interview, the librarian engages in active listening and effective questioning techniques to gather sufficient information about the user's information needs, goals, and constraints. The interview focuses on clarifying and refining the user's request, which may involve open-ended questions to explore the context and specific requirements of the query. The reference interview also helps in determining the user's level of expertise, preferred format, and time constraints.

   Through the reference interview, the librarian evaluates the user's needs in order to identify and recommend suitable information resources, such as books, databases, or websites. The librarian may also assist in formulating effective search strategies and providing instruction on how to navigate library resources effectively. The interview enables the librarian to provide personalized guidance, ensuring that the user receives accurate, relevant, and timely information.

   Furthermore, the reference interview facilitates the building of rapport and trust between the librarian and user, creating a positive user experience. It not only helps solve the immediate information query but also empowers the user with skills to engage in independent information seeking in the future.

   Overall, a reference interview is a structured conversation that helps librarians understand and meet the information needs of library users, ensuring efficient and effective access to information resources.

Etymology of REFERENCE INTERVIEW

The term "reference interview" is a compound word formed by combining "reference" and "interview". Here's the etymology of each component:

1. Reference: The word "reference" originated from the Latin word "referentia", which means "a relation or connection". It entered English in the late 14th century and originally referred to "act of referring". Over time, it came to signify "direction to a book or passage" or "action of consulting and verifying".

2. Interview: The term "interview" has a more recent origin compared to "reference". It entered the English language in the 16th century, derived from the Middle French "entrevue", which translates to "mutual sight" or "meeting". "Entrevue" was formed by combining the prefix "entre-" (meaning "between") and "vue" (meaning "sight" or "view").