The optimization of online searches through the labelling of a dynamic, situation-dependent information need: The reference interview and online searching for undergraduates doing a social-science assignment

An important user group in academic libraries is the undergraduate student seeking information for coursework in the social sciences. With the proliferation of electronic databases, a major challenge for reference librarians is to conduct a quick and effective reference interview to determine the undergraduate's information need while also providing instruction on using the information system. The present article proposes a reference interview strategy that will allow the reference librarian to (1) efficiently assess the information need of the undergraduate, (2) label the information need, and (3) assign the most appropriate search strategy to satisfy this need. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd