READ Scale - Reference Effort Assessment Data Scale - Descriptive format
Definitions and examples of numbers rating:
1 : Answers that require the least amount of effort and no specialized knowledge skills or expertise. Typically, answers can be given with no consultation of resources. Length of time needed to answer these questions would be less than 5 minutes. Examples: directional inquiries, library or service hours, service point locations, rudimentary machine assistance (locating or using copiers, how to print a document or supplying paper).
2 : Answers given which require more effort than the first category, but require only minimal specific knowledge skills or expertise. Answers may need nominal resource consultation. Examples: call number inquiries, item location, minor machine & computer equipment assistance, general library or policy information (how to save to a disk or email records, launching programs or re-booting).
3 : Answers in this category require some effort and time. Consultation of ready reference resource materials is needed; minimal instruction of the user may be required. Reference knowledge and skills come into play. Examples: answers that require specific reference resources (encyclopedias or databases); basic instruction on searching the online catalog; direction to relevant subject databases; introduction to web searching for a certain item; how to scan and save images, more complex technical problems (assistance with remote use).
4 : In this category, answers or research requests require the consultation of multiple resources. Subject specialists may need to be consulted and more thorough instruction and assistance occurs. Reference knowledge and skills needed. Efforts can be more supportive in nature for the user, or if searching for a finite answer, difficult to find. Exchanges can be more instruction based as staffs teach users more in-depth research skills. Examples: instructing users how to utilize complex search techniques for the online catalog, databases and the web; how to cross-reference resources and track related supporting materials; services outside of reference become utilized (ILL, Tech services, etc), collegial consultation; assisting users in focusing or broadening searches (helping to re-define or clarify a topic).
5 : More substantial effort and time spent assisting with research and finding information. On the high end of the scale, subject specialists need to be consulted. Consultation appointments with individuals might be scheduled. Efforts are cooperative in nature, between the user and librarian and or working with colleagues. Multiple resources used. Research, reference knowledge and skills needed. Dialogue between the user and librarian may take on a ‘back and forth question’ dimension. Examples: False leads, interdisciplinary consultations / research; question evolution; expanding searches / resources beyond those locally available; graduate research; difficult outreach problems (access issues that need to be investigated).
6 : The most effort and time expended. Inquiries or requests for information can’t be answered on the spot. At this level, staff may be providing in-depth research and services for specific needs of the clients. This category covers some ‘special library’ type research services. Primary (original documents) and secondary resource materials may be used. Examples: creating bibliographies and bibliographic education; in-depth faculty and PhD student research; relaying specific answers and supplying supporting materials for publication, exhibits etc; working with outside vendors; collaboration and on-going research.