Filling individual information needs requires discovering the real need behind a patron's first question. Patrons may not clearly express real information needs or may be limited by misconceptions about libraries. Many people have difficulty recognizing that information will help, what information is needed, how to find it, or how to apply it once they have it. Review the following main points of Module 1. Use the links to go back to any page you want to look at again.
Libraries meet the information needs of the communities they serve.
The one place in the community that can provide various types of information to everyone is the library. First Contact Information needs of individuals in your community are not usually stated in patrons' first questions. The first question may just be a way to find out if you're friendly and approachable. A patron's first question may be a way to find out if you are approachable and not an expression of the information need. Real needs Sometimes patrons can't express real information needs.