Sample interview questions: How would you handle a situation where you are unable to find a specific resource requested by a patron?
Sample answer:
- Acknowledge the patron’s request and empathize with their need for information. “I understand how important it is to find the resource you’re looking for, and I appreciate your patience while I do my best to locate it.”
- Determine the specificity of the resource and the patron’s intended use. Ask clarifying questions to narrow down the search: “What specific information are you seeking from this resource? What is the intended purpose of this resource for you?”
- Explore alternative resources. Suggest alternative resources, such as similar publications, online databases, or interlibrary loan services. Explain the differences between the requested resource and the alternatives, highlighting the relevance of the alternatives to the patron’s needs.
- Network with colleagues and consult professional databases. Reach out to other medical librarians, professional organizations, and interlibrary loan networks to inquire about the availability of the resource. Use professional databases and search engines to expand the search beyond the library’s immediate collection.
- Communicate with the p… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_9/Medical%20Librarian