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Milner Library

Reference Training

Helpful training materials and information for new librarians

READ Scale

Please follow these guidelines when logging questions in LibAnswers.

  • Include a READ Scale number for each question at the desk or any other location.
    • Use the READ Scale chart to select a number for each transaction. The chart is also linked from the Administrative Announcements box on the LibAnswers dashboard page.  There are laminated print copies of the READ Scale chart at the Reference Desks.
  • Log the question using the words the patron used to ask the question whenever possible.
    • Since there is a 140 character limit for the first question box, you can always use the “Type more detail…” box if necessary. 
  • In the Answer box, especially for questions rated 3 - 6, briefly:
    • List sources consulted, for example Catalog, I-Share, specific database name, google, APA Style Manual, ISU website, etc.
    • Note if the question was successfully completed.  (Including the answer is optional.)  
    • Indicate where or to whom the question was referred.

Quick reminders:

  • When it is busy at the desk please log as much information as you are able under the circumstances. 
  • If you are considering two READ Scale numbers for a question, choose the higher number when the question required more effort.  For example, a patron who is new to the library, a patron who requires much instruction or assistance, a patron who has difficulty understanding you, etc.   
  • Generally, READ Scale rankings 1 - 3 (and occasionally 4)  will occur at the desk and 4s, 5s and 6s will occur away from the desks.  Exceptions might be a consultation scheduled during a desk shift, especially evenings and weekends or the appropriate Subject librarian happens to be at the desk when a complex question is asked, etc.
  • Add your questions related to using the READ Scale or questions about a READ Scale ranking for a specific question received at the desk to the google doc linked from the Administrative Announcements box on the LibAnswers dashboard page.  We will discuss the question at the next Research Services meeting. 

READ Scale 1:

• Answers that require the least amount of effort.

• No specialized knowledge skills or expertise.

• No consultation of resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples:

• Directional inquiries within library; where is: printer,

   scanner, copier, restroom, Redbird Card machine, book

   checkout, etc.

• Library or service hours.

• Service point locations; where is: computer lab, library 

   classroom, Circ Desk, Visor Center Drop-In, etc.

• Basic machine assistance: locating copier, printer, scanner,

   adding paper to printer, etc.

• Borrowing pens, paperclip, stapler, tape, etc.

• Guest login.
 

READ Scale 2:

• Answers given require more effort than READ Scale #1.

• Answers require only minimal specific reference

   knowledge or skills.

• Answers may need nominal resource

   consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

Examples:

• Inquiries about locations outside library. 

• General library or policy information.

• Call number inquiries.

• Item location.

• Straightforward successful catalog search for known item.

• Referral to subject librarian, circulation, etc. without consulting

   resources.

• Machine and equipment assistance: copier, scanner,

   printer, microfilm reader, card machine, etc.

• More complex computer assistance: how to print, download Pharos

   software, save a file, format document, etc.
 

READ Scale 3:

• Answers require additional effort and time.

• Some reference knowledge and skills needed.

• Answers require consultation of reference /

   resource material.

• Subject based questions where 1 or 2 sources are briefly

   consulted, or a patron requires only 1 or 2 articles / 

   books.

• Minimal instruction of the user may be required.

• If referral is made, it occurs immediately or after

   briefly consulting 1 or 2 sources.

 

 

 

Examples:

• Answers that require specific reference resources

   (encyclopedias, databases, etc.).

• Basic instruction searching online catalog.

• Direction to relevant subject databases.

• Citation style help.

• Assistance with web searching for a known item.

• Setting up accounts: I-Share, interlibrary loan, etc.

• Assistance with requesting: I-Share, storage, interlibrary loan.

• Access problems requiring referral: SFX / FindIt, databases,

   ebooks, streaming video, e-reserve item, etc. 

• Increasingly complex technical problems requiring referral

   to LITS,  TechZone, Campus Help Desk, etc.
 

READ Scale 4:

• Answers or research requests require 

   consultation of multiple resources.

• Reference knowledge and skills are needed.

• Patrons require multiple sources for research.

• Subject specialists may need to be consulted

   and more thorough assistance and instruction

   occurs.

• Effort can be more supportive in nature for the

   patron; if searching for a finite answer, it’s

   difficult to find.

• Transaction can be more instruction based and

   users are taught more in-depth research skills.

 

 

 

Examples:

• Instructing users how to utilize more complex search

   strategies and techniques for the online catalog, databases

   and the web e.g., formulating search terms, using limits, etc.

• Searching for resources by topic/subject.

• Assisting users in focusing or broadening searches e.g.,

   redefining or clarifying topic, searching for multiple perspectives on topic, etc.

• In-depth citation style questions.

• Searching for statistics.

• How to cross-reference resources, track down related

   citations or supporting materials, evaluate sources, etc.

• Source management tool help e.g., RefWorks.

• Collegial consultation and/or referrals to individuals in other

   library units: ILL, cataloging, processing, acquisitions,  Access    

   Services, etc.
 

 READ Scale 5:

• More substantial effort and time spent assisting

    with research and finding information.

• Reference expertise, knowledge and skills are

   needed.

• Question does not normally resolve at reference

   desk; follow through typically by email,   

   consultation, etc.

• Multiple resources used in depth.

• Subject specialists need to be consulted.

• Consultation appointments with subject

   specialists may be scheduled.

• Efforts are cooperative in nature, between the

   librarian and user, and/or between the librarian

   and colleagues.

• Dialogue between the user and librarian may

   take on a ‘back and forth question’ dimension. 

Examples:

• False leads.

• Subject / discipline or interdisciplinary consultations /

   research.

• Question evolution.

• Expanding searches / resources beyond those locally

   available.

• Upper level research e.g., senior seminar, graduate student

   or faculty research assistance.

• Difficult or complex research problems requiring further

   investigation.

 
 

READ Scale 6:

• The most effort and time expended; may involve

   multiple days.

• Inquiries or requests for information can’t be

   answered on the spot; multiple interactions with  

   patron required.

• At this level, librarian may be providing in-depth

   research and services for specific needs of 

   patron.

• Primary (original documents) and secondary

   resource materials may be used.

Examples:

• Creating bibliographies or extensive assistance or

   instruction.

• In-depth faculty or graduate student research.

• Relaying specific answers and supplying supporting

   materials for publication, exhibits, etc.

• Collaboration and on-going research.
 

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