Sample interview questions: Can you describe a situation where you had to assist a researcher in locating hard-to-find or rare research materials?
Sample answer:
Can you describe a situation where you had to assist a researcher in acquiring hard-to-find or rare research materials?
In my role as a Research Librarian, I have frequently assisted researchers in acquiring hard-to-find or rare research materials. One particularly memorable instance involved a graduate student researching the history of a local textile factory. The student had exhausted the university’s library resources and was struggling to locate a specific collection of company records that were crucial to her thesis.
After consulting with the student and understanding her specific research needs, I initiated a comprehensive search using a variety of resources. I utilized interlibrary loan networks, contacted archival institutions, and searched online databases and specialized collections.
Through persistent effort and collaboration, I was able to locate the collection at a historical society in a neighboring county. The society had digitized the records, making them accessible online. However, the files were not indexed or organized, posing a significant challenge to the student’s research.
To address this, I worked closely with the student to develop a strategy for navigating the digital… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_17/Research%20Librarian