Third Article

Hisle, W. (2005, September 30). Reference Questions in the Library of the Future. Chronicle of Higher Education, 52(6), B6-B8. Retrieved June 29, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

This article describes how we are in a time of transition for academic libraries. Libraries are changing and rethinking how they deal with the core functions of the library. The reference services, collection development, and preservation are handled differently as things are moved from print based forms to online and digitized forms. The article states that reference work has been around since the 19th century helping people to increase literacy. Online and digitized services have taken away some of the reference work for librarians, but it has also brought about different types of questions and reference work among patrons. Many colleges and universities are changing their approach to learning. Students have to work in groups more and make presentations that require digital media. The role of the reference librarian changes with this style of teaching. It requires librarians to be experienced in virtual reference services, experienced in building websites, experienced in working with electronic course assignments, and experienced with online instructional materials. Reference librarians must continue to be teachers to patrons in order to be able to help others navigate information literacy programs. The article gives a couple of examples from various schools on how they are changing their style of reference work. Some schools are combining social and study space and creating an "information commons" where students can work in groups or alone and use digital technology. Other schools are completely going away with the reference desk entirely, and instead one desk offers general information, circulation and reference services, and basic technological support. If a student needs to see a librarian, an appointment has to be made. Another style of reference that is a little different is at the University of Florida. Librarians are going mobile by carrying laptops with wireless Internet around to dining halls, student centers, and residence halls.

I think that this is a great article on how reference is changing and will always continue to change. I do not think that reference work will ever go away. Students are always going to need help in some way and the librarian is hopefully where they will turn to. Google offers a lot of information, but it may not always be the correct information. Like the article said, the reference librarian is great to help sort through all 50 million hits on the topic. I think the convience of online services are wonderful, but I still think that it is important to not forget about important print resources as well. I agree with the article on that librarians need to be up to speed with more electronic services, because that is what most of the questions are going to be about from students.