How do you give library users the information they need?

1 Know your users

The first step to giving library users the information they need is to know who they are, what they want, and how they prefer to access it. You can use various methods to gather user feedback, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or analytics. By understanding your users' needs, preferences, and behaviors, you can tailor your services, collections, and communication to match them.

2 Use effective search strategies

The second step to giving library users the information they need is to use effective search strategies to find and retrieve the most relevant and reliable sources. You can use various tools and techniques to refine your search, such as keywords, Boolean operators, filters, facets, subject headings, or citation tracking. You can also use different types of sources, such as databases, catalogs, journals, books, websites, or media, depending on the topic and purpose of the information.

3 Evaluate and select information

The third step to giving library users the information they need is to evaluate and select the information that best meets their criteria and expectations. You can use various criteria to assess the quality, credibility, and relevance of the information, such as authority, accuracy, currency, coverage, objectivity, or bias. You can also use various methods to compare and contrast the information, such as summarizing, synthesizing, analyzing, or critiquing.

4 Organize and present information

The fourth step to giving library users the information they need is to organize and present the information in a clear, concise, and coherent way. You can use various formats and styles to present the information, such as reports, essays, posters, presentations, or infographics. You can also use various tools and techniques to organize the information, such as outlines, headings, tables, charts, graphs, or images.

5 Cite and reference information

The fifth step to giving library users the information they need is to cite and reference the information properly and ethically. You can use various citation styles and formats to acknowledge the sources of the information, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard. You can also use various tools and software to create and manage your citations and references, such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley.

6 Teach and guide users

The sixth step to giving library users the information they need is to teach and guide them how to use the library resources and services effectively and independently. You can use various methods and approaches to deliver library instruction and support, such as workshops, tutorials, webinars, guides, or consultations. You can also use various skills and competencies to facilitate library learning and literacy, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, or critical thinking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?