Sample interview questions: How would you handle a situation where a library patron requests assistance with a complex genealogical research question?
Sample answer:
- Gather Information:
- Begin by asking the patron a series of questions to gather more information about their research query.
- This may include details like family names, birth and death dates, and locations of interest.
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Encourage the patron to bring any documents or materials they have that might be relevant to the research.
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Assess Complexity:
- Evaluate the complexity of the research question based on the information provided by the patron.
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Consider factors such as the time period, number of individuals involved, and availability of records.
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Recommend Resources:
- Suggest appropriate resources that can be useful for the patron’s research.
- This could include books, articles, databases, and online resources.
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Guide the patron to the relevant sections of the library where these resources can be found.
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Introduce Genealogy Tools:
- If the library has specialized genealogy tools or software, familiarize the patron with their functionality.
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Provide basic instructions on how to use these tools effectively for their research.
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Provide Step-by-Step Assistance:
- Offer to assist the patron with their research step by step.
- Start with basic steps like searching for vital records, census data, and family trees.
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As the research progresses, help the patron understand how to inte… Read full answer