Back in 2018, I attended a two-day Peer Counseling Workshop at CEFAM (Ateneo de Manila University Campus in Loyola Heights). There, I learned the I-GEAR method from Ms. Marivic (her surname escapes me now), who guided us through its steps and role-played scenarios with us, the participants. This method was introduced as a tool for shepherding and leading prayer groups within the Family and Married Life Ministry.
What fascinated me about the I-GEAR method was its similarity to Guided Inquiry Design (GID) (Kuhlthau, 1988). Both frameworks recognize the affective and socio-emotional aspects involved in understanding a problem and finding solutions thereafter.. I have long wanted to adapt this method to streamline GID into six easy steps, making it more accessible for high school students. My goal is to help them navigate the research process more effectively while also training my staff to apply these principles when assisting students at the library counter and providing reader services.
However, as life often does, work threw curveballs my way, delaying my efforts.
But now, with the help of Ami, my ChatGPT virtual assistant and conversation buddy, I’ve finally done it!
Below is the I-GEAR method and the Research Inquiry Process, developed with Ami’s assistance.
Helping Library Clients Navigate Research and Information Needs Using I-GEAR
I – Initial Conversation (Identifying the Problem)
G – Goal Setting (What does the helpee want to achieve?)
E – Exploring Options (What solutions are available?)
A – Accountability (What option is chosen and how will it be monitored?)
R – Review (Follow-up and reflection)
The Research Inquiry Process based on the I-GEAR Method
I. Establishing Connection & Understanding the Inquiry
• Greet the client warmly and establish rapport.
• Ask open-ended questions to understand their research needs.
• Example: “What topic or research question are you exploring?”
• “What kind of information are you looking for?”
• Identify their purpose and intended outcome.
• “Are you working on an academic paper, personal research, or professional project?”
• “What level of detail do you need—general overview or in-depth analysis?”
II. Clarifying and Defining the Information Need
• Help the client articulate their specific information need by breaking it down.
• “Can you share any keywords or concepts related to your topic?”
• “Do you need scholarly articles, books, or other sources?”
• Discuss the scope and depth of the research.
• “Do you need current information or historical perspectives?”
• “Are there any particular authors, sources, or methodologies you prefer?”
III. Identifying Available Resources
• Guide the client through relevant library collections, databases, and external sources.
• “We have books, e-books, journal articles, and digital archives that might help. Have you used our online catalog before?”
• Offer search strategies and tools.
• “Would you like a quick tutorial on using our library databases effectively?”
• “We can refine your search terms to get better results.”
IV. Evaluating and Selecting Information
• Help the client assess the reliability and relevance of sources.
• “Does this source align with your research question?”
• “Let’s check the author’s credentials and the publication’s credibility.”
• Teach citation and ethical use of information.
• “Would you like guidance on citing these sources correctly?”
• “Are you familiar with plagiarism policies and academic integrity?”
V. Guiding the Client Toward Independent Research
• Encourage the client to explore further with confidence.
• “Now that you have a foundation, you might want to check these additional sources.”
• “You can always come back if you need more help!”
• Provide take-home strategies.
• “Here’s a research worksheet to keep track of your sources and ideas.”
• “I recommend keeping a research journal to organize your findings.”
VI. Closing the Inquiry with Follow-Up Support
• Confirm that the client has found useful information.
• “Did we find what you were looking for today?”
• “Would you like additional recommendations?”
• Offer continued support.
• “Feel free to reach out via email or schedule another session.”
• “We also have research workshops and librarian consultations—would you be interested?”
• Thank the client and invite them to return.
• “It was a pleasure assisting you! Come back anytime.”
For part 2 of my post, I will share infographics on the The Research Inquiry Process X I-GEAR Method.
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