Reference work---Helping the inexperienced inquirer--Periodicals Reference work in libraries large and small has for its first rule: Meet the inquirer more than half way.

To the stranger a library is often an oppressive place, an awesome place--in his imagination.

He comes in shyly; everyone appears busy, his question suddenly seems to him trivial; he won't trouble these wise and busy people with it--and goes out.
A good second rule is: Learn at once just exactly what the inquirer wishes to know.

This is not always easy.

Tact and a little patience will generally effect it.
A good third rule is: Whenever possible show the inquirer how the answer is found, so that he may next time in some measure help himself.