Six Pieces of Evidence is a concise guide to gathering information and is particularly helpful in Virtual Reference settings. From the Ohio Reference Excellence on the Web 2008
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Six Pieces of Evidence
1. Six Pieces of Evidence from the Ohio Reference Excellence on the Web 2008
2. 1. PURPOSE Knowing how the information will be used can help you formulate a search strategy and affect the type of information you find.
3. 2. DEADLINE Urgency may redefine your interaction. Do you have time to refer? Is there time for instruction or does the patron just want a hyperlink? Remind the patron they can always return.
4. 3. TYPE & AMOUNT Ask the patron what type of information they need. Articles? Statistics? Datasets? This helps you formulate an appropriate search/instruction and potential referrals. Use the links in this LibGuide to share frequently used resources quickly.
5. 4. WHO Depending on who the patron is, give them appropriate resources. Non-affiliates cannot access online resources. Undergraduates may need more instruction. Grad students and faculty may be experts in the field and need high-level information.
6. 5. WHERE What is the source of the question? Where is the interest coming from? Although lengthy over chat, reference interviews reveal more about a topic. Gather background information. Familiarize yourself with the patron’s query-topic.
7. 6. THE BASIC QUESTION What does the patron really want and how can you best help? Keep the reference interview going to stay on the same level as the patron. Make sure you are answering their needs.