The Place of the Practicum in Teaching Reference Interview Techniques

Abstract

That the reference interview is a communication process has long been recognized in the library profession. Reference librarians must be able to relate effectively to all types of patrons in order to deliver quality service. Communication in the reference interview is both verbal and non-verbal, and these two elements must be in harmony if the interview is to be effective and the library patron to receive the information he/she is seeking. Realizing the importance of good interviewing techniques to success as a reference librarian, library educators are now devoting more time to the interview in reference courses, utilizing approaches which are both theoretical and practical. In this paper, the value of the practicum to the teaching and learning of interviewing techniques is emphasized, and various methodologies for offering such field experience are explored. The instructional programs in several library schools are discussed, with particular emphasis on the author's school, and a possible reference practicum program is outlined.