Not sure how to start asking a question at the reference desk?

Here are some good ideas from Spencer Jardine (Coordinator of Instruction at Eli M. Oboler Library, Idaho State University):

It seems to be useful when students volunteer information. Many reference librarians will ask for some of the following information, but if it comes first from the student that's great.

* Tell us what you have tried already
* Explain your assignment:
o how many sources do you need
o what kinds of sources do you need
o when is the assignment due
* Do you just need to get pointed in the right direction i.e. a useful database, or would you like some pointers and tips on using the database?
* Ask for a business card or contact information from the librarian. It will flatter the librarian and then you can ask follow-up questions.
* Give the librarians clues about your topic. Which aspects interest you the most?
* Where are you in the research process? This is similar to the first bullet point, but it is useful to know if a student is just starting, somewhere in the middle, or wrapping things up by locating one last source.
* Reference librarians can help students find statistics, though the statistics they find might not be exactly spot-on with their topic since most are of a generic/general nature.