Communication Process in Reference/Information Service; Its Implication for Reference Teaching

정보 및 참고봉사상의 의사통신과정(意思通信過程) -참고과목을 위한 제언(提言)-

It is the prime importance of the information and the reference-librarians to better understand the communication functions of the library since they are the ones to whom the library users come first with their informational needs. Reference librarians often have the problem of providing information to those who may have little experience with, or interest in the library. There is also a problem of finding out what the person really wants, not what he says he wants. Therefore, the interaction between the librarian and the user involves a highly complex activity of communication with each other even before the actual search begins. Reference librarians cannot perform to any degree of success without comprehension of the general patterns and processes of communication in information seeking. Nonverbal as well as verbal transmittal process on the part of both librarians and patrons should not be overlooked. Some of the difficulties and barriers of library communication are brought so that possible cures and improvement may be sought. The basic purpose of the reference interview through which this interpersonal communication takes place is for the reference specialist to enable to link the needs of the patron with potential resource of the library. The writer firmly believes that this importance of the process be taught as well as the materials in reference service regardless of the level of the course offered in library science department.