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The Reference Interview

When most library patrons ask a question, it isn't quite the question they need answered. The real need hides behind it. A great prompt starts the same way — don't rush to an answer; clarify first.

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At the desk
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The request, taking shape
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Same tool, two outcomes
If you stopped at the first ask

A generic “Staff Picks” shelf of bestsellers — wrong audience, no theme, nothing the AI could've known you didn't tell it.

After the interview

A focused Banned Books Week display for teens, themed, sized to the space, with shelf-talkers — because you defined the job before asking for the work.

A personal note — my opinion

Two of my favorite moves come straight from the desk, and I'll own them as personal habit. First: tell the AI “don't make anything yet — let's talk it through.” Second: ask it “what would you recommend?” That's just good service instinct — and it works as well on a chatbot as it does on a colleague.