An Investigation of the Relationships between Quantifiable Reference Service Variables and Reference Performance in Public Libraries

Abstract

This study's major objective was to investigate the relationships between reference performance (dependent) variables and various quantifiable reference service characteristics (that is, independent variables such as reference collection size). Sixty randomly selected librarians were asked to answer as many as possible of twenty-five test reference questions and to indicate any sources used. They were also requested to complete a questionnaire procuring data concerning their educational background, reference experience, reference collection and services, reference activities, and professional activities. Fifty-one participants completed the test. The mean percentage of test reference questions answered correctly was 59. Statistical analysis indicated that reference performance was significantly related to the size of the reference collection and to other independent variables. It was also found, however, that the relationship between reference performance and reference collection size was nonlinear. It was concluded that quantitative-type characteristics of reference service were strong predictors of reference performance.

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