The Annoying Questions Reference Librarians Frequently Encounter

Have you ever come to a reference desk not knowing what you want, only to be asked to produce an inexact title, author, or a vague description of a book? This is a common and slightly frustrating scenario for librarians who spend their days helping patrons find the information they seek. While these queries can start off as a bit confusing, they often lead to helpful and enriching explorations of the library's vast resources. In this article, we will explore some of the most annoying questions reference librarians hear on a regular basis and how they address them.

My friend told me about this book…

This is perhaps the most common and frustrating query for reference librarians. 'My friend told me about this book…' leaves a lot of room for ambiguity and requires a great deal of effort to figure out. When patrons walk in with a generic description like this, it can be a bit like a treasure hunt to find the correct book. Librarians must meticulously search for potential matches, considering the possibility that the person may be referring to a variety of titles, authors, or even subjects. The process can be lengthy and demanding, leading to a less than ideal experience for the patron.

Is there a book like this one?

Another frequent and slightly aggravating question is, 'Is there a book like this one?' This query often comes when a person has read a book or watched a movie and is looking for similar recommendations. While the intent is to help patrons find more of what they enjoy, the vagueness of the description can make it challenging to narrow down the perfect match. Librarians usually ask several follow-up questions to get a clearer picture of what the patron is looking for, such as 'Did you enjoy a particular aspect or plot point of the book?' or 'Do you prefer certain genres or themes?' By asking these questions, librarians can better assist patrons in locating relevant books in the library's collection.

Please recommend a book in

While this request is more specific than the others, it still requires the librarian to do some sleuthing. 'Please recommend a book in ' might not be the most frustrating query, but it can still be challenging. Librarians have to delve into the catalog and look for books that align with the patron's preferences. However, this can be time-consuming and may lead to frustration if the patron's genre preference is not as popular in the library's collection. In such cases, librarians may need to suggest alternative books or genres to make the patron's visit more enjoyable and productive.

How can I find books like this one when I come to the library?

Many patrons new to the library might not fully understand how to navigate the reference section or use the online catalog effectively. 'How can I find books like this one when I come to the library?' while not a frustrating question in itself, reveals a lack of familiarity with the library's resources. Librarians can provide useful tips on how to search for information in the library, such as 'Use the keyword search feature on the library's website,' 'Look for genre sections in the catalog,' or 'Ask a librarian for help.' These guides can make future visits to the library more comfortable and efficient for the patron.

Combating Frustration with Patience and Expertise

While these questions might be seemingly minor annoyances, they offer great opportunities for librarians to help patrons navigate the vast world of information and resources available to them. By carefully listening, asking relevant questions, and providing expert guidance, librarians can turn what could be a frustrating experience into a helpful one. In doing so, they can not only assist individuals in finding the books they are looking for but also encourage patrons to explore new genres, authors, and topics. With the right approach, even the most frustrating questions can lead to enriching and rewarding experiences for both reference librarians and their patrons.