Traditional Library Services: Responsive and Anticipatory

TRADITIONAL LIBRARY SERVICES: RESPONSIVE AND ANTICIPATORY

13.1 INTRODUCTION

  • Libraries traditionally provide a variety of services to users, which encompass:
      - Organizing collections for ease of access and availability.
      - Building tools to inform patrons about document resources.
      - Assisting users in obtaining the information they need.

  • The previous lesson detailed the information needs of library users and types of services provided to meet those needs.

  • This lesson elaborates on how services are delivered and the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on service provision.

13.2 OBJECTIVES

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Explain the role of traditional library services.

  • Identify categories of traditional library services:
      - Responsive Services
      - Anticipatory Services

  • List various Responsive and Anticipatory Services.

  • Describe the need and functions of Responsive Services.

  • Describe the role of Anticipatory Services in libraries.

  • Provide examples of Responsive and Anticipatory Services.

13.3 TRADITIONAL LIBRARY SERVICES

  • Libraries often categorize their services as Reference and Information Services, deemed essential activities of a library.

  • These services are divided into two categories:
      - Responsive Services
      - Anticipatory Services

13.4 RESPONSIVE SERVICES

  • Definition: Responsive services are provided in direct response to user requests, assisting in the use of library tools, facilities, and providing answers to reference questions.

  • Requests can be made in person, over the phone, via correspondence, or through electronic means such as email or online requests.

  • Technology allows users to submit requests at any time from any location globally.

  • Types of Responsive Services:
      - Assistance in the use of library tools
      - Lending Service (Circulation Service)
      - Inter-Library Loan
      - Reference Service
        - Short-range Reference Service
        - Long-range Reference Service
      - Literature Search
      - Compilation of Subject Bibliographies
      - Photocopying Service
      - Referral Service
      - Translation Service

  • This lesson will delve into:
      - Long-Range Reference Service
      - Literature Search
      - Compilation of Subject Bibliographies

13.4.1 Long-Range Reference Service

  • Target Users: Generally available for specialists seeking information for research, lectures, papers, or problem-solving.

  • Types of Information Sought:
      - Specialized nature
      - Recent information
      - Information related to different periods or languages

  • Search Process: Information may be sought from a variety of sources, including printed materials, electronic sources, and informal networks.

  • Time Requirement: Long-range inquiries require more time and may utilize non-standard reference sources.

  • Reference Interview: Essential for understanding user needs thoroughly, including the field of work, purpose, and types of information sources necessary.

  • Example: A sociologist researching children’s literature might utilize library catalogues and find a book with a Cinderella-like story in Indian literature.
      - Outcome: The librarian identifies the book and informs the researcher quickly after a thorough search.

13.4.2 Literature Search

  • Definition: A systematic search for published materials on a specific topic, often linked to user inquiries.

  • Typical Queries: Such as inquiries about different horse breeds or comparative studies of governance forms.

  • Literature searches yield documents containing relevant information, generally requiring extensive searches through various sources.

  • Completion time for literature searches can range from days to weeks depending on complexity.

13.4.3 Compilation of a Subject Bibliography

  • Definition: Prepared by libraries either on user request or preemptively based on expected user needs.

  • Purpose: Usually targets researchers rather than students unless under supervision.

a) Search Process: Manual

  • Steps involved in manual bibliography compilation:
      1. Understanding the Subject: Identify the exact topic to be searched; consult subject dictionaries and encyclopedias if necessary.
      2. Decision on Scope, Coverage, and Period: Determine the required comprehensiveness, document types, and whether the bibliography is current or retrospective.
      3. Formulating a Search Strategy: Create a systematic plan including keyword selection and potential sources.
      4. Searching for Documents: Examine both secondary and primary sources for the bibliography.
      5. Preparation of Entries: Document key information for each selected item.
      6. Arrangement of Entries: Organize entries alphabetically, chronologically, or by subject.
      7. Preparation of an Index: Develop indexes for easier access by users.
      8. Supplying the Bibliography: Finalize the bibliography for delivery to the user.

b) Search Process: Computer-Based

  • Modern Electronic Searching: With advancements in technology, bibliographic entries are increasingly accessible through computer databases and searches.

  • Basic Steps for Computer-Based Searching: Same initial steps as manual but include:
      1. Getting Connected to the Internet: Requirement for accessing online databases.
      2. Logging On to the Search Service Provider: Enter provided user ID and password to access databases.
      3. Selecting Appropriate Database: Identify relevant databases for the search.
      4. Formulating the Search Expression: Use appropriate terms for searching in the database's specific thesaurus if available.
      5. Display Format Preference: Choose between different formats for records displayed.
      6. Reformulating and Refining Search Expressions: Modify searches based on results obtained to improve relevancy.
      7. Modes of Delivery: Options to download or print records.

13.5 ANTICIPATORY SERVICES

  • Definition: Anticipatory services are provided in advance of user demands, also referred to as active services.

  • Drivers for Anticipatory Services:
      - Rapid growth of literature in specific fields (especially science and technology).
      - The multidisciplinary aspect of research leading to scattered information.
      - Various formats of publications complicating access.

  • Libraries, especially S&T libraries, have started providing anticipatory services based on assessed user needs.

13.5.1 Preparation of Lists of Reading Material

  • Libraries prepare preemptive lists of reading material for students and teachers, assisting with projects and competitions.

13.5.2 Current Awareness Services

  • Purpose: To keep advanced students and researchers updated on developments in their field.

  • Work includes scanning new documents and disseminating relevant information regularly.

  • Types of Current Awareness Services:
      - Accession List: Regular listing of the latest library acquisitions.
      - Content-by-Journal Service: Dissemination of current journal articles organized by subject.
      - Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI): Personalized current awareness services tailored to individual or group research interests.
      - Newspaper Clipping Service: Regularly curated cutting of relevant newspaper articles for user distribution.

13.5.3 Indexing and Abstracting Services

  • Purpose: To assist in retrospective searches for various publications while offering organized, bibliographic entries for access.

  • Commercial indexing and abstracting services are available in machine-readable forms for comprehensive searches.

13.5.4 User Education

  • Aim: To enhance user knowledge about bibliographic reference tools and their effective use.

  • Offerings: Research and university libraries may offer formal courses and training, also supplemented with instructional material.

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

  • Traditional libraries offer two types of user services: Responsive and Anticipatory.

  • Responsive services cater to direct user requests, while anticipatory services preemptively address anticipated user needs.

  • Specific services under both categories involve various supporting activities such as lending and literature searches, current awareness services, and user education.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS

  1. Highlight the essential differences between responsive and anticipatory services.

  2. Discuss the necessity of current awareness services and describe the various types offered.

  3. Explain what a literature search entails and outline the steps involved in both manual and computerized searching.

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

  1. What are Responsive Services?
       - Services provided based on user requests for assistance with library tools, facilities, or to obtain reference answers, available through various communication methods.

  2. Types of Responsive Services:
       - Assistance in using library tools, lending services, inter-library loans, reference services, literature search, and various additional services like photocopying and translations.

  3. Literature Search:
       - A systematic, comprehensive process conducted to locate published information about specific topics, aimed at fulfilling user requests.

  4. Basic Steps for Manual Bibliography Compilation:
       1. Understanding the subject
       2. Decision on scope and coverage
       3. Formulation of search strategy
       4. Searching sources
       5. Preparing entries
       6. Arranging entries
       7. Preparing indexes
       8. Supplying the bibliography

  5. Basic Steps for Compilation of Bibliography Using E-Databases:
       1. Understanding the subject
       2. Decision on scope and period
       3. Logging into the internet or database
       4. Selecting appropriate database
       5. Formulating search expressions
       6. Displaying records in preferred format
       7. Reformulating search expressions
       8. Choosing the mode of record delivery.

GLOSSARY

  • Abstracting services: Concise summaries of articles, organized periodically for user access.

  • Indexing services: Access provision to documents through systematic entries organized by subject headings.

  • Referral centers: Direct users to relevant sources of information.

  • Union Catalogue: A catalogue encompassing multiple libraries for shared resource access.