NSW public library wiki

Module 7 Roving reference (Reference Excellence)

Suggested answers for module 7 exercises

There are no right answers for many of these questions. Discuss the questions with your supervisor or colleagues to learn how things work in your library

1. Try roving.
2. How do people respond to your approaches?
3. What skills do you need to practice?
4. What did you find easy about it?
5. What could have worked better?
6. Talk with your supervisor about this.

Discuss your answer with your colleagues, trainer or supervisor.

Using technology

1. What devices has your library has for roving?

Readers' advisory

1. What resources does your library have to support Readers' Advisory questions.

2. List the resources you can suggest to patrons that they can access from your Library Webpage.

• You have learned how to approach people in a friendly way, as part of roving reference making sure you are not standing, or walking too close to them.
• Use a phrase like “are you finding what you are looking for?” which requires a longer answer rather than a yes or no.
• Make sure you are familiar with the services provided across the whole library.
• Make sure you know how to use any technology your library has, the tool may not have been purchased for roving reference, but may be able to be used for it.
• Use roving reference each time you are rostered on a reference and information services shift.
• You have learned how to start making the whole library into a service area.

What to do when you finish the module…

Please fill out and submit the evaluation form

When you have completed the exercises you may want to talk with your supervisor or colleagues about them.

Reference excellence - self paced reference and information services training

About ref-ex

Module 1 Overview of the reference process ref-ex

Module 2 Reference interview skills and question types ref-ex

Module 3 People skills, reference behaviours ref-ex

Module 4 Search strategies ref-ex

Module 5 Reference resources ref-ex

Module 6 Ethics and legislation ref-ex

Module 7 Roving reference ref-ex

Module 8 Local studies ref-ex

Module 9 Family history ref-ex

Module 10 Children ref-ex

Module 11 Young Adults ref-ex

Module 12 Corporate Library Services ref-ex

Module 13 Technology reference services ref-ex