Library questions can be divided into 2 types: Reference and Non-Reference. The majority of the time, the two types consist of:
• Reference: may include questions related to research, library events, location of library materials on shelves/in collection, library rooms, or software.
• Non-reference: may include non-research, campus-related, hardware-related, directional, or referral questions
Below are examples of common Reference questions, Software questions, Non-Reference questions, and Hardware questions.
Reference Question Examples (many more apply):
• I need a book. (Can you help me find a book?)
• Where are the movies?
• I have an assignment about (topic).
• Can you help me find stuff about (topic/subject)?
• Where are the scholarly peer-reviewed articles/journals?
• How do I use a database?
• How do I request something from another library?
• Do you help with grammar checking papers?
• Do you have textbooks?
• Can I have a library tour?
• Where is (library event) being held?
Software Reference Question Examples (many more apply):
• How do I format a paper?
• How do I double-space?
• How do I use a software program?
• How do I connect to the campus wi-fi?
Non-Reference Question Examples (many more apply):
• Where is the bathroom?
• Where is the nearest place to eat?
• Do you have a pencil sharpener/hole punch/(other office item)?
• I need to send this textbook back to the Ocala bookstore. Do you deliver?
• How late is the library open?
• Where is the copy machine?
• Where is (campus event) being held?
• Where is (campus department)?
• Where is (instructor)?
Hardware Non-Reference Question Examples (many more apply):
• How do I print from the computers?
• How do I scan something?
• How do I use a 3D printer?
Referral Questions (many more apply):
Referral questions are when a patrons needs to be referred to another department or location, due to the library being unable to fully assist the patron.