Success in Answering Reference Questions
Two Studies
Published on 1. October 1988
Book
Hardback
313 pages
978-0-8108-1940-5 (ISBN)
Description
Unobtrusive telephone studies measure reference accuracy of libraries at about 55%. The unobtrusive method typically used precludes the deveopment of information about those who are tested. This volume reports two studies of reference accuracy in which participant data were gathered and examined. Both studies were obtrusive: participants knew they were being tested. Despite this knowledge reference librarians in these studies scored in the same 55% accuracy range reported in the earlier unbotrusive telephone tests.
Reviews / Votes
...An important contribution to a steadily accumulating body of distressing informationnnnn * Wilson Library Bulletin * These two studies not only provide valid information about variables determining successful reference service, but they serve as outstanding models of research in librarianship. * Lisca * For all professionals who function in the reference mode, this is a volume that should be read. * Rq * Both Benham and Powell used exemplary research design and methodology. Their methods and statistical analyses are very well explained...The writing in these dissertations is good too... -- Marcia J. Bates * The Library Quarterly * Perhaps this additional material will encourage managers to start doing something about this situation. * Library Journal * ...An important contribution to a steadily accumulating body of distressing information * Wilson Library Bulletin *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Dimensions
Height: 223 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8108-1940-5 (9780810819405)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
France Benham (MLS, North Texas State; Ph.D., Florida State) is Associate Dean of Libraries, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She has been a library educator, reference department administrator, and reference librarian and is a member of ALA's Reference and Adult Services Committee on the Evaluation of Reference Services. Ronald Powell is an associate professor at the University of Missouri-School of Library and Informational Science, Columbia. He has taught and published on reference materials and services, evaluation of reference services, and research methods and is co-author with Margaret Taylor of Basic Reference Sources (Scarecrow 1985).