Accuracy
From SLNSW
Be sure that the information you are giving out is correct and current.
Contents |
Finding the correct answer
The information you find should meet the real information need and allow your client to say yes when you ask the follow-up question- does this completely answer your question? The purpose is to find complete and accurate information in a timely manner.
A common reference problem
Some of the most common problems in reference work that prevent successful accurate answers are:
- telling the client the information is not available when it is, either in your own branch, online or through a referral
- reading information incorrectly; for example reading the wrong line of a table or transposing numbers
- not clearly understanding the client's question and answering the wrong question; for example giving the client information on the worst plane crash in New South Wales when the client really wanted the worst crash worldwide
- answering off the top of your head without verifying the information first
- providing outdated information
Currency
Depending on the subject, outdated information simply may be wrong. Examples are names of elected representatives, addresses and phone numbers of businesses, statistics, scientific medical or legal information. There are many other instances of course when older information is inaccurate. When you suspect you have an outdated source check the date of the material you are using. Do you suspect there is newer information to be had even if you don't have it. Sometimes there are clues in the material itself. You may have a third edition dated 2010, is there a newer edition now?
Statistical tables should indicate on the table the date of the information. Given tables usually give the name of the group or agency that compiled them it's worth checking to see if later figures are available. Business information changes very fast.
Directories may be out of date before they are published. If you suspect newer information may be available, check with your patron to find out if newer material is needed. If it is offer to pursue the question giving the patron a realistic idea of when you might access the updated information. If the patron can't wait for the referral process or prefers to make a direct contact, offer a source where the patron can go directly to get updated information. For example, check the statistical table to find out who compiled the data and use a directory to get a current phone number or if a person is looking for the name of a current official offer to supply the phone number of the government office. If possible call the office yourself to verify the information.
Using online resources
If you are consulting a web site or a database do the following to ensure accuracy.
- Check facts and know or evaluate sources
- Check spelling in written responses and validate urls
Evaluation criteria for web resources - author, content, domain name, date of last revision, objectivity, authority and accuracy, link to selection criteria for databases.
Always cite sources of information completely, whether an article from a magazine, a web page, a reference book, or a database.
Major point: To provide accurate information verify the question; use accurate and current sources; and relay the information carefully.
Exercises
- In a print and an electronic source look up information on the population of Australia and on the population of New Zealand. In the print source check the index or table of contents to locate all information that may pertain to population.
- Is the information the same in the different sources i.e. Does the content of the information conflict, not just the amount of information?
- Look at the publication date to determine how old the information is. Find out if there are newer editions available that might have more current information.
- What is the result for your client if you use old information?
- What is the result for your client if you use only one source of information and it is not the most complete source?
