We do NOT interview...we refer...but...

Hi there. As library clerks, we shelve and always direct any reference question to an information specialist. However, there are times that we are the first point of contact for the patron with a question. If they are just looking for a particular section of the library...no problem. More often than not they need specific help rather than direction. I will admit, being a clerk for awhile now, I can direct them to the specific section that they are looking for, but if they need more specific infromation I seek out the specialist... and FAST! While shelving, I have witnessed and heard many of the interviewing questions. I agree, most of the questions posed by the specialists are common sense driven, however, every now and then there is the more difficult interview. Reviewing the interviewing process really sheds more light on this process for me. I found the exercises very interesting and is a productive tool. While common sense IS used, learning or reviewing the skills to be an excellent reference interviewer IS necessary.