What feedback should a library specialist give to a learner with a broad research question?

When responding to a learner with a broad research question, the most helpful feedback is to indicate that the question is too broad and needs to be narrowed. This insight is crucial because broad questions can lead to overwhelming amounts of information, making it difficult for the learner to focus on relevant research materials. By encouraging the learner to narrow their question, the library specialist facilitates a more manageable inquiry that can lead to deeper exploration and more significant findings.

Narrowing a research question helps the student focus their search, identify specific elements of their topic, and develop a clearer thesis or argument. In academic research, specificity often leads to better, more detailed resources and analysis, which is essential for successful outcomes. Thus, guiding the learner in this way supports their development as a researcher and improves their overall learning experience.