Evolution in Reference and Information Services: The Impact of the Internet

Citation

Raward, R. (2003), "Evolution in Reference and Information Services: The Impact of the Internet", The Electronic Library, Vol. 21 No. 5, pp. 496-497. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470310499885

The dynamic character of reference and information service is not a new development, but the Internet’s impact on the way that librarians provide that service has been so fast and so pervasive that a guidebook might prove useful. This book has been written by working professionals and includes chapters on timely issues such as remote/electronic reference and reference portals. It also includes an analysis of how the Internet has enhanced library service as well as practical suggestions on making the most of technological advances and leading, rather than following, library users. Written by working professionals, the chapters describe the evolution of librarians from information providers to teachers, offer case studies that reveal useful marketing strategies, and suggest ways to evaluate both electronic reference services and sources. In addition, there are pointers on managing library computer labs and setting up new libraries with computer capabilities. This book is highly recommended for library and information science educators, students and practitioners trying to comprehend the changing role of the reference librarian.

The volume is arranged in five sections. Section One serves as an introduction. Joseph E. Straw opens the issue by reviewing the history of electronic reference and background developments. Teaching information literacy is part of a librarian’s job and is especially important in an academic library. In Section Two, Charity B. Hope, Sandra Kajiwara and Mengxiong Liu describe the increasing role as teachers among librarians. D. Scott Brandt reveals his view of user education from a psychological perspective. Jack Styczynski shares his Internet teaching experience at NBC Information Resource Center. Section Three includes case studies and strategies related to electronic services. Naomi Lederer presents her survey results on e‐mail reference. Susan Ardis reveals her survey results on the use of Internet engineering reference in her library. Michael Adams offers ideas and practical guides on how to provide services through the library’s portal site. Section Four contains analysis and suggestions on how to evaluate electronic resources. Eric Novotny provides various evaluation methods that serve different research purposes. John Drobnicki and Richard Asaro present their extensive research on “Historical fabrications on the Internet”. Robert Machalow evaluates some prominent government Web sites. David Garnes and Carolyn Mills give an overview of health sources on the Internet. Section Five discusses the “new” hat that some wear more often and that is a common issue of today: “computer technical help from librarians”. Tina C. Fu, Kim Bartosz and Guy LaHaie describe how they implemented “scholars’ workstations” for patrons to use when the library moved to a new facility. Sheryl Moore tells how her library manages its computer laboratory.

This comprehensive and thorough book is aimed at reference librarians in general and electronic services librarians in particular and focuses on the impact of the Internet in reference services. It offers concrete suggestions for improving in‐person and remote service to users in diverse academic and work settings and shares some practical issues that are common in the librarian’s daily work.