Look for Information on a Volcano

NARRATOR:Listen to part of a conversation at the information desk in the library.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Hi. Can I help you?

FEMALE STUDENT:Where do I go, besides the computers, to look for books on New Zealand?

MALE EMPLOYEE:Okay. You mean you don't want to use the computer?

FEMALE STUDENT:Well, I haven't had any luck on the computers here.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Okay. I mean, the reason I'm asking is you pretty much have to go to the computer to find out where a book is.But I can help you find it on the computer if you like.

FEMALE STUDENT:That would be great. I just spent half an hour and I couldn't find anything.

MALE EMPLOYEE:I know how you feel. When I first started working here I couldn't find anything either... So you're looking for information on New Zealand. Is that right?

FEMALE STUDENT:Yes.

MALE EMPLOYEE: Is it like travel information that you're looking for?

FEMALE STUDENT:Uh, no, actually what I'm looking for is information on a volcano in New Zealand.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Oh, okay. Because I know a travel agency that specializes in tours to New Zealand and Australia.

FEMALE STUDENT:Oh, I'd love to go. I've heard it's beautiful.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Yeah.

FEMALE STUDENT:Maybe someday.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Yep. [ready to start computer search] Okay, let's see. Okay, if you want to search the library holdings, and don't know the author's name or the exact title of the book or an article, you have to set up a keyword search.

It's a special function. Then you can just type in some key words and let the computer do the search.

FEMALE STUDENT:I see.

MALE EMPLOYEE:[typing in key words] Okay, how about if we search for "volcanos" and "New Zealand?"

FEMALE STUDENT: Sounds good.

MALE EMPLOYEE:[as he conducts search] Is this for a geology class?

FEMALE STUDENT:Mhm.

MALE EMPLOYEE:[laughing] You must be in Professor Simpson's class.

FEMALE STUDENT:No.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Oh. Well, he's a volcano expert, so I thought he might be teaching your class...

FEMALE STUDENT:No. I've heard he's really good, though.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Yeah, that's what everyone says. Do you know the name of the volcano?

FEMALE STUDENT:Mount Ruapehu.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Can you spell that?

FEMALE STUDENT:Sure. It's R-U-A-P-E-H-U.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Okay. Mount Ruapehu. Let's see. [continuing search] So, uh, are you a geology major?

FEMALE STUDENT:[laughs] Hardly.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Let me guess. You have to take a science course, and you don't want to have to deal with biology, chemistry or physics.

FEMALE STUDENT:Exactly. But it's actually turned out to be a pretty interesting class.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Well, that's good. Um, uh, does it have to be a book, or could you use a journal article?

FEMALE STUDENT:Mm, no, either one would be fine.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Okay, well here's a journal article...[pauses while searching, then wonders if the article is too old] Let me check to see if we have it... Okay, we have the article, but it's from 2001. Is that okay, do you think?

FEMALE STUDENT:Well, I'd like to have look at it. The focus is really on eruptions in the last five years, but it might have some useful background material.

MALE EMPLOYEE:Okay, well, let's see what else we can find.

FEMALE STUDENT:Sounds good.