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Information & Referral ServicesPatrons often have needs that books alone will not meet.I & R ServicesPatrons sometimes need the services of groups or agencies -- for social or health problems, for example. Successful search strategies may include providing the patron with information about the group or agency that can provide needed assistance. In our society, there are thousands of helping agencies. How can a person know which one to turn to for a particular problem? Helping put patrons in contact with the best agency for their needs is the role of "Information and Referral" or "I&R." Information and Referral services try to match needs with agencies to make good referrals. Library InvolvementLibraries are becoming more involved in providing I&R services as part of their overall mission of meeting patrons' information needs. Libraries often use (or even compile) directories of social service agencies. These directories are indexed by standard key words describing the kinds of help offered. Some directories are in paper form; others exist as electronic databases. You should think of referring patrons to agencies and groups as part of your overall answer to their question. A complex need (for example, a relative with a head injury) may be met by a combination of things:
Don't limit yourself to sources at hand on the library shelf. Try to think of good reference as providing assistance in meeting people's information needs. Major Point: Patrons often have needs that books alone will not meet. They need the services of special groups or agencies.
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I & R services match patron needs with agencies that can provide assistance. Does your library have a list of helpful agencies, a directory, or a database?
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