RI as an communicative art
ˇ When a group of MLS students were sent on a
mission to the library to ask a question…
l 60% said that they might ask another question in
the future
l 30% said that they wouldn’t bother asking the
librarian even if they have an information need
ˇ No matter what form the reference interview
takes on, a form of interpersonal communication
takes place
l Is not and cannot be free of relational dimensions
l 1 good encounter ≠ 1 bad encounter