UCLA

The reference interview is a standard part of librarian training, but how might it be applied outside of a standard reference interaction? As academic librarians, we know that the reference interview is a powerful tool to reveal students' information needs in a directed way and, with thoughtful changes, this formula can also be effectively applied to outreach and other unique interactions. In order to be responsive to students’ changing information needs, these conversations must be mindful of broader contexts affecting students and the college campus. This topic is especially timely in the current hybrid learning landscape, where students are increasingly worn down from long term stress and struggling to navigate their university. In an environment where some studentsarrive with decreased confidence and missing crucial information literacy skills, librarians benefit from language to tactfully assess students' needs to match them to appropri ate resources and support. This awareness and sample language can be applied across university settings from the classroom and consultations to outreach events. This poster will contain conversation starters and examples of ways to modify the reference interview, particularly with undergraduate students. It will also contain questions to encourage reflection on participants’ student engagement experiences or perspectives to mindfully apply the sample strategies.