Title Understanding reference transactions : transforming an art into a science / Matthew L. Saxton, John V. Richardson, Jr.

Descript 1 online resource (xviii, 208 pages) : illustrations Series Library and information science Library and information science (New York, N.Y.) Bibliog. Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-194) and index. Contents The multilevel nature of reference service / John V. Richardson -- Systems analysis of the reference process / John V. Richardson -- Defining and modeling reference service / John V. Richardson -- Evaluating and measuring reference service / John V. Richardson -- Multilevel modeling and reference service evaluation / John V. Richardson -- Data analysis and findings / John V. Richardson -- Conclusions and implications / John V. Richardson. Summary The goal of this book is to improve reference service in libraries and information centers, by improving the accuracy of answering capabilities. The authors provide a detailed analysis of the question-answering process and methods of evaluating the completeness, usefulness, user satisfaction, and accuracy of the information provided. This is an important contribution to library studies, and it will be a useful textbook for teaching references courses in library schools. Powerful research models help explain what is happening in the reference transaction. It encompasses a comprehensive review of the research literature. It offers a unique systems analysis of the reference transaction and includes a detailed appendix of the concepts, operational definitions, and research variables used to measure outcomes as well as statistical results from all known prior studies. Note English. Local Note eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - Worldwide Subject Reference services (Libraries) Interviewing. Information services. Public libraries -- Reference services. Readers' advisory services. Interviews. Library Services Information Services Interviews as Topic information services. documentation centers. Library & information sciences. LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES -- Library & Information Science -- General. Gestion d'entreprises. Readers' advisory services. (OCoLC)fst01090615 Public libraries -- Reference services. (OCoLC)fst01082705 Interviews. (OCoLC)fst00977644 Information services. (OCoLC)fst00972696 Interviewing. (OCoLC)fst00977601 Reference services (Libraries) (OCoLC)fst01092439 Inlichtingenwerk (dienstverlening) (NL-LeOCL)078545811 Bibliotheekgebruik. (NL-LeOCL)078452570 Bibliotheken. Reference. Alt Author Richardson, John V., 1949- ISBN 0585492328 (electronic bk.) 9780585492322 (electronic bk.) 9781849507974 (electronic bk.) 184950797X (electronic bk.) 0125877803 (acid-free paper) 9780125877800 (acid-free paper)