Purpose

This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps.

Design/methodology/approach

After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection.

Findings

This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex.

Originality/value

This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.

中文翻译：

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通过分类复杂的顾客需求来满足信息需求

目的

本文旨在描述公共图书馆员如何更好地解决复杂的信息需求。首先，图书馆员应使用华纳的分类模型对需求的复杂程度进行分类。然后他们可以使用Popper的三世界理论通过遵循特定的步骤来预测和响应复杂的信息需求。

设计/方法/方法

在检查了信息科学文献之后，选择了合适的模型来支持公共图书馆员。我们的信息科学奖学金，加上我们的实践经验，为我们的搜索和选择提供了信息。

发现

本文详细介绍了公共图书馆员可以采取的预期和响应个人信息需求的具体步骤。随着公众信息需求的日益复杂，这样做势在必行。

创意/价值

本文改进了信息实践，因为它提供了一些特定的步骤来帮助公共图书馆员预测和响应复杂的信息需求。它借鉴了现有的模型和理论框架。本文还重点介绍了一些示例，这些示例说明了美国各地的公共图书馆员如何预测信息需求，并与公共图书馆外部组织建立了合作伙伴关系，以解决复杂的信息需求。