Client sources
From SLNSW
Contents |
Where do you start
There is no substitute for knowing the reference sources in your print and electronic collection, what subjects are covered in the resources and where information on different subjects is located throughout your library. The first step in any good search strategy is to determine what the client already knows and the source of the client's information. Throughout the exercises in this module you will explore subject headings and indexes in a few basic reference resources that are frequently part of successful reference search strategies. You will learn more about recommended resources and types of resources in module 5.
Find out the client's source
Finding out your client's initial source of information on a topic may help in your search to find what the client really needs. The source can give clues to other sources and may also help you clarify the client's specific information need. For example one client asked for the definition of the word 'remueds'. After a long and fruitless search the librarian found out that the source of this word was an inscription on the bottom of a porcelain branch handled green vase. The answer was then easy to find. Remued is type of pottery with applied gum leaf or Australian fauna decoration and colourful deep glazes.
Be respectful of any searching the client has already done.
Web sources
If your client's source was an unsatisfactory web search, take the opportunity to work with the client in conducting a more targeted web search using one or more of the most appropriate search engines and search strategies. If the original source does not appear to be an authoritative site discuss better options and how to examine web sites.
Major point: Discovering the client's source at the beginning of your search makes the whole process easier.
Exercises
Select five reference tools
- an encyclopaedia such as World Book or the Australian Encyclopaedia
- an almanac or yearbook such as Whittacker or World Almanac & Book of Facts or the Statesman's Yearbook
- a large dictionary and
- an atlas such as the Macquarie Illustrated Atlas
- Wikipedia
to use for the following exercise.
- For each of the resources look for information about New South Wales. How many different places can you find New South Wales information in each of the four resources? Use the indexes or table of contents to determine this.
- Which resources have the most information about New South Wales?
- In addition to the five resources, where else could you find information about New South Wales in your library? For example, genealogy collections, local history collections, map files, internet, library web site, adult collection, children's collection, fiction, non-fiction, biography etc.
Throughout this module you will be working more with these tools so keep your answers and the tools handy.
