What tactic is likely to help a library media specialist determine learners' specific information needs?

Asking open-ended questions is an effective tactic for a library media specialist to determine learners' specific information needs because it encourages students to share their thoughts and feelings in a non-restrictive manner. Open-ended questions allow for a deeper exploration of a student's interests, challenges, and objectives, leading them to provide more nuanced responses than they might with yes/no questions or limited options. This approach not only facilitates a better understanding of individual or group needs but also encourages critical thinking and self-reflection among learners. By allowing students to articulate their thoughts in their own words, the library media specialist can gather comprehensive insights that are essential for tailoring resource recommendations and support.

In contrast, simply providing a list of available resources lacks the engagement necessary to truly understand a student's unique needs. Offering a survey can be useful but may not capture the depth of insight that a conversation can. Encouraging peer discussions might promote collaboration, but it may not directly elicit personalized information from each learner that would inform the media specialist's decisions. Overall, open-ended questions are critical for eliciting detailed, specific, and relevant information that directly informs service and resource provision in the library setting.