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Minnesota Opportunities for Reference Excellence (MORE)

MINITEX Reference Services is offering training (in-person or via webinar) on different aspects of MORE including evaluating and examining print and electronic sources, and readers' advisory services. MORE is a Minnesota adaptation of the California Opportunities for Reference Excellence (CORE) Reference Manual and Correspondence Course.

If your library is interested in on-site MORE workshops, contact MINITEX Reference Services.

Minnesota Voluntary Certification

Minnesota Voluntary Certification is a program intended to improve library service in Minnesota by encouraging library employees to acquire, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills.

It was a pilot project for three years (1997–May 2000), designed to address competencies needed by those working in public libraries. It is now an ongoing program specifically for non-MLS staff.

The MORE Manual fits into voluntary certification by addressing specific competencies in training sessions and by working through the practice sheets in the Manual.

MORE Interview Tips

At the end of a successful reference interview you should be able to answer all of the following questions by paraphrasing, verifying and clarifying your patron's needs. This will help you to provide accurate reference service and will help us fully understand questions referred to MINITEX Reference.

The Six Pieces of Evidence*

  • Purpose
    Why is the information needed? What does the patron plan to do? Rule of thumb: Don't ever ask this one directly—it tends to sound offensive.
  • Deadline
    Is there a date after which the information will no longer be useful to the patron? "As soon as possible" doesn't help. Everyone does everything "as soon as possible." A specific date is much more helpful.
  • Type and Amount
    How much information is needed? In what form will it be most useful?
  • Who
    How knowledgeable is the patron on this subject? Is the person an expert, or a beginner? What information does the patron already have?
  • Where
    Where did the patron hear about this? What is the source? What prompted the question?
  • The Basic Question
    What does the patron really want to know?

* Taken from MORE: Minnesota Opportunities for Reference Excellence, 1994, p.24.