Sample reference questions
Introduction
This page provides a selection of sample archives reference questions. The questions support training and orientation for new employees in the Dalhousie University Archives. Reference questions are divided into three categories:
Type of question | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Known-item | User has particular item(s) in mind and is generally searching for specific items where the author or title is known. User expects to quickly find the most relevant results. | Do you have a program from Julian Bream’s 1978 concert in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium? |
Discovery / Exploration | User is trying to discover sources that will help address a research question. Some users bring a well-developed search strategy, others needs help creating one. The search process may involve basic and advanced searches, faceted browsing, and following navigation trails. | I am looking for annual enrollment data from over the past 100 years. |
Questions that involve referrals | User is looking for information or services that another unit or colleague typically provides. These questions can involve expertise from a colleague in the Archives, approval from a supervisor, or engagement with another unit. Includes requests for archival digitization. | I am looking for maps that show the location of railway bridges in Cape Breton. Can you help? |
Known-item reference questions
People
Can I look at poetry manuscripts written by Florence Murray, a medical missionary and writer that did mission service for the Presbyterian Church in Korea?
My name is _____. I did a Google search and found an archival file with information about me. Can you please provide a copy of these records?
Research data
Do you have data from “The Impact of Universal Medicare on the Previously Insured Poor and Nonpoor,” a study on the impact of medicare in Nova Scotia by Murray G. Brown and Vernon A. Hicks?
Can I access research data related to the Africville Relocation Study conducted by Don Clairmont and Dennis Magill?
Restricted records
Can we access patient records from 1921-1936 that were kept by a physician who was acting director of the Massachusetts-Halifax Relief Commission?
My grandparents lived in Africville and were displaced during the Africville relocation project. It looks like you have records related to the relocation. Can I access any records related to my grandparents?
Special Collections
I searched Novanet and found a call number for a book that is located in Special Collections. How do I access this book?
Discovery reference questions
People
I am trying to find out when the Dalhousie Review was founded and who was the first editor.
Can you tell me who operated the Solar Audio and Recording Studio on Wyse Road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia?
Who received honourary degrees from Dalhousie University in 1971?
I am studying the history of eugenics in Canadian higher education, specifically looking at how eugenics was taught within the curriculum. I am interested in learning more about Dr. William H. Hattie, Dr. O.J. McCully, Nova Scotia League for the Care and Protection of Feeble-Minded Persons, F.C.S Schiller, and Maude Merrill.
A graduate of Dalhousie has requested a confirmation of graduation letter. [NAME] graduated with a Master of Health Education in 1992. Can you please confirm the graduation date, degree, and program?
Research data
I am looking for data on medical billing in Nova Scotia during the 1970s.
I am gathering sources for a longitudinal study of bacteria in freshwater lakes. Do you have any archival research data?
Science
I need to find information on plants in Southeastern Nova Scotia.
Special Collections
What books by Rita Joe do you have in Special Collections?
Questions that involve referrals
I work for [government department] and I saw a photograph in your archival collection that I would like to use as part of a digital exhibit. Can I use this photograph in my project? Who should I contact?
This finding aid includes a description of a 5.25 inch floppy disk. Can I access the files on this disk?