From Model of Reality to Practical Tool: An Aid to Reference Librarians and Library Managers

Abstract

This article explores how a model that represents the thoughts and actions of a school librarian responding to clients’ inquiries can be used in the creation of a framework to either promote reflection among intermediaries on their own practice or afford a means of evaluating a library’s reference service. Against a background of pertinent studies by Taylor and Kuhlthau, this article traces how the proposed strategy initially developed from a typology addressing the ways adults seek to meet young people’s requests for information and outlines issues for consideration by professionals intent on using the framework in their own organizations.

KEYWORDS:

• information seeking strategies
• inquirers
• models
• professional development
• reference services
• research
• school librarians

The author thanks Chrissy Adkins for inspiring the writing of this article through her review of the Shenton (2010) paper.