Keep track of where you searched

When you are working on complicated searches, you should make note of the books and other resources you use. Also note the subject headings you use in working with indexes, and the inclusive dates of the indexes you check.

If your system has a form for referring questions to second level reference, you may wish to use this form from the beginning with each reference question.

This has several advantages:

1. If you are interrupted, you can pick up where you left off without duplicating work.
2. Patrons appreciate knowing where you have looked, even if the search was not successful.
3. If you find you need to refer the question, you MUST tell your central library or reference center where you searched.

You need to keep track of the specific titles you use. Do not record a statement like "all the books here" or "all our antique books". When you send the question on, the next folks may have no idea what books you have in your branch. Call numbers may not be helpful at the next level either. Author's last name and the book's title should be enough to identify the source for most purposes.

Go to Answering questions.

Back to Go with the patron instead of pointing.

Back to MORE Manual home page.

This page was updated November 24, 2003.