The Reference Interview and the Art of Asking Questions

The Reference Interview and the Art of Asking Questions

The reference interview is a fundamental service that information professionals provide to library patrons. By asking questions, librarians can help patrons refine their search query and locate useful information sources. Not only does this reduce the time a patron might spend on unfruitful searches, it also increases patron satisfaction in the service they receive. This workshop will give an overview of why and how we conduct reference interviews, and give special focus to the types of clarifying and sense-making questions information professionals can use to conduct a successful interview. 

Presenter:

Susan Harmon is the Head of Information & Technology at the Manchester City Library in Manchester, NH. She started her career in 2012, graduated from Simmons in 2013, began working at the Manchester library in 2015, and rose to lead her division in 2025.

This workshop is limited to 20 people in person.

This presentation is sponsored by the READS Section and is open to members and non-members. 

Cost: $15 NHLA READS members  $25 NHLA members/guest

Payment can be made via credit card online.

Registration deadline: July 16, 2026.

Payment must be received prior to the start of class

Please read the NHLA Cancellation policy before registering.

Questions? Contact Josianne Fitzgerald, READS President, at readspresident@nhlibrarians.org.