Detailed explanation of the six-point READ Scale as well as examples based on those observed at the field station reference desk
| Read score summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score | Description | Example |
| 1 | Answers that require the least amount of effort No specialized knowledge skills or expertise; anyone in the library could answer No consultation of library resources Typically, less than 5 min Mostly questions you can answer by pointing or with a few words | Directional: Where is Hungerford teaching lab? Library or station hours: What time does the administration office open? Service point location: How do I complete a maintenance request? Where are the print course reserves? Rudimentary assistance: Do you have a pen? Can you refill the paper in the printer? |
| 2 | Answers given which require more effort than a 1 Require only minimal specific knowledge skills or expertise Answers may need nominal resource consultation (e.g. consult the catalog) | Call number/book inquiries: Do you have Ecology in Action by Fred D. Singer? Item Location: How do I locate a book in the Library of Congress (LC) or Dewey collections? Do we have a subscription to the journal Michigan Botanist? How do I map my computer to the printer? |
| 3 | Answers in this category require some effort and time (5 or more minutes) Consultation of library resources is needed Instruction in some form is required Subject based questions where 1 source is consulted or searched Reference knowledge, skills, and training come into play | How do I search for articles on Kirtland's Warbler conservation projects? Where can I find texts that discuss Native American wild rice production? Can you show me where to locate census population data that I can use in GIS? What databases cover the atmospheric physics of climate change? |
| 4 | Answers or research requests require the consultation of multiple resources Patrons require multiple sources for research 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 staff teach users more in-depth research skills | Can you help me find articles on in situ springtime methane flux from an oligotrophic lakebed? I am looking for peer reviewed articles, print manuscripts, and information in the institutional repository I am conducting comparative literature research. Can you help me search for references across multiple literary databases and improve my search strategy? I am looking for any studies that have been done on Enallagma aspersum near the research station. I want to expand my initial search into related subject areas. Can you help me redefine my topic and suggest additional relevant resources? I want literature that takes place in Northern Michigan like Nick Adams Stories. Can you show me how to use the library's advanced filters and citation tools across different platforms and databases? |
| 5a | Does not normally resolve at the reference desk; typically by email, consultation, etc. 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 May include primary sources as well as secondary sources Dialogue between the user and librarian may take on a “back and forth question” dimension | I am doing a systematic review on CO2 flux in boreal forest vernal pools. Can you help me develop a comprehensive search strategy using multiple databases, and guide me on inclusion/exclusion criteria and citation management? I need to find US federal court cases and legislative history related to water rights law in the Laurentian Great Lakes region from the early 20th century I am producing a documentary on Indigenous land rights and need primary source materials, including treaties, maps, photographs, and oral histories from various repositories I am applying for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. Can you help me create a Data Management Plan that complies with both federal and institutional policies, including data sharing and preservation strategies that are specific to my data? |
| 6a | Research consultancy rather than standard reference help The most effort and time expended; involves multiple days Does not normally resolve at the reference desk; typically by email, consultation, etc. 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 | What are the curriculum models for teaching environmental ethics to undergraduate students? How has this been done in field science courses? I want to create an interactive map that visualizes methane flux shifts in the Great Lakes Staits region using data from 1999 to 2020. I need help finding, cleaning, and structuring the data, and choosing appropriate tools I need a full policy history and comparative legal analysis of Public Trust from the United States and Canada with emphasis on changes since 2015 We are researching the feasibility of an oil pipeline through the Great Lakes Staits region. Can you find proprietary market reports, trade publications, patents and import/export data the US and Canada? |
| Read score summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score | Description | Example |
| 1 | Answers that require the least amount of effort | Directional: Where is Hungerford teaching lab? |
| 2 | Answers given which require more effort than a 1 | Call number/book inquiries: Do you have Ecology in Action by Fred D. Singer? |
| 3 | Answers in this category require some effort and time (5 or more minutes) | How do I search for articles on Kirtland's Warbler conservation projects? |
| 4 | Answers or research requests require the consultation of multiple resources | Can you help me find articles on |
| 5 | Does not normally resolve at the reference desk; typically by email, consultation, etc. | I am doing a systematic review on CO2 flux in boreal forest vernal pools. Can you help me develop a comprehensive search strategy using multiple databases, and guide me on inclusion/exclusion criteria and citation management? |
| 6 | Research consultancy rather than standard reference help | What are the curriculum models for teaching environmental ethics to undergraduate students? How has this been done in field science courses? |
Note(s): aNo examples of a READ score of 5 or 6 were observed in the data and they are included in this table for completeness.
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