Online reference services MCQs

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1. : What is an online reference service in libraries?
(A) Service that provides physical books only
(B) Digital assistance to users through electronic means
(C) Manual record-keeping system
(D) Book lending at the counter

2. : Which of the following is an example of online reference service?
(A) Ask-a-Librarian
(B) Book exhibition
(C) Newspaper clipping
(D) Shelf arrangement

3. : The main goal of online reference services is to:
(A) Provide remote access to reference help
(B) Replace librarians
(C) Reduce user interaction
(D) Eliminate print sources

4. : Which communication technology is commonly used in online reference services?
(A) Email and chat
(B) Fax
(C) Telegram
(D) Courier

5. : Which of the following is NOT an online reference tool?
(A) Online catalog
(B) Chat reference
(C) Email reference
(D) Book exhibition

6. : The term “digital reference” is often used interchangeably with:
(A) Virtual reference
(B) Telephone reference
(C) Personal reference
(D) Bibliographic instruction

7. : What is the main advantage of online reference services?
(A) Accessibility from anywhere
(B) Limited availability
(C) High cost for users
(D) Delayed responses

8. : “24/7 Reference Service” refers to:
(A) Service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
(B) Weekly library meetings
(C) Shift timings of librarians
(D) Reference desk hours

9. : Which software is commonly used for chat-based reference services?
(A) LibChat
(B) MS Paint
(C) Excel
(D) PowerPoint

10. : Email reference service is best suited for:
(A) Complex queries requiring detailed responses
(B) Quick directional questions
(C) Face-to-face discussions
(D) Library tours

11. : Which of the following is an asynchronous online reference service?
(A) Email reference
(B) Chat reference
(C) Video call reference
(D) Telephone reference

12. : Synchronous online reference services include:
(A) Live chat and video conferencing
(B) Postal communication
(C) Bulletin boards
(D) Email only

13. : What is the role of a librarian in online reference services?
(A) To guide users to reliable digital information sources
(B) To maintain physical catalogs only
(C) To design websites only
(D) To reduce user queries

14. : The “Ask a Librarian” service was first introduced by:
(A) Internet Public Library (IPL)
(B) Library of Congress
(C) British Library
(D) OCLC

15. : Online reference services rely heavily on:
(A) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
(B) Manual filing systems
(C) Paper indexes
(D) Face-to-face meetings

16. : What is a limitation of online reference services?
(A) Lack of personal interaction
(B) Global accessibility
(C) Cost-effectiveness
(D) Time efficiency

17. : In online reference, a knowledge base is:
(A) A collection of frequently asked questions and answers
(B) A printed encyclopedia
(C) A physical library shelf
(D) A student database

18. : Which of the following skills is essential for librarians providing online reference services?
(A) Digital communication skills
(B) Manual cataloging
(C) Typing book labels
(D) Physical stock checking

19. : What is “Collaborative Digital Reference Service (CDRS)”?
(A) A network of libraries providing online reference collaboratively
(B) A local book lending system
(C) A video tutorial platform
(D) A personal librarian assistant tool

20. : What does the term “real-time reference” mean?
(A) Instant communication between user and librarian
(B) Pre-scheduled interviews
(C) Delayed email response
(D) Recorded tutorials

21. : The effectiveness of an online reference service can be measured by:
(A) User satisfaction and response time
(B) Library size
(C) Number of shelves
(D) Amount of print books

22. : Which of the following is a major ethical issue in online reference?
(A) User privacy and confidentiality
(B) Book labeling
(C) Shelf maintenance
(D) Budgeting

23. : In online reference, “Co-browsing” means:
(A) Librarian and user browse web resources together
(B) User browses alone
(C) Librarian provides printed materials
(D) Shared reading room browsing

24. : Video conferencing tools like Zoom are used in reference service for:
(A) Real-time consultation
(B) Book binding
(C) Data entry
(D) Shelf labeling

25. : What is a major challenge in digital reference service?
(A) Misinterpretation of user queries
(B) Easy documentation
(C) Quick feedback
(D) Simple setup

26. : The success of online reference depends on:
(A) Clear communication and technological infrastructure
(B) Strict rules only
(C) Expensive print resources
(D) Manual filing

27. : Which of the following technologies has enhanced online reference service?
(A) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
(B) Typewriters
(C) Fax machines
(D) Microfilm readers

28. : Online reference services can include which type of resources?
(A) E-journals, databases, and digital encyclopedias
(B) Only printed materials
(C) Maps and atlases only
(D) Microfiche records

29. : Which of the following best describes “hybrid reference service”?
(A) Combination of traditional and online reference services
(B) A physical-only service
(C) Only telephone-based help
(D) Automated email system

30. : What is the primary objective of an online reference service?
(A) To provide accurate, timely, and user-centered information remotely
(B) To limit user access
(C) To replace library staff
(D) To restrict database use