Sample interview questions: How would you handle a situation where a library user needs assistance with locating scientific resources related to sustainable agriculture or food systems?
Sample answer:
Initial Approach:
- Acknowledge the request: Express understanding of the user’s need and acknowledge their inquiry.
- Clarify scope and goals: Ask open-ended questions to determine the specific topic, audience, and deadline for the information.
- Establish context: Explore the user’s background, familiarity with the subject, and any previous research efforts.
Resource Identification:
- Databases: Search relevant scientific databases (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators.
- Libraries and archives: Consult the holdings of online library catalogs and archival collections for research articles, books, dissertations, and technical reports.
- Government agencies: Explore websites of government agencies (e.g., USDA, FAO) for publications, statistics, and other resources.
- Professional organizations: Reach out to professional organizations (e.g., American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America) for conference proceedings, journals, and webinars.
Resource Evaluation and Selection:
- Peer-reviewed publications: Prioritize articles and books that have undergone rigorous peer review to ensure credibility.
- Relevance: Filter resources based on their alignment with the user’s research focus. Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_16/Science%20Librarian