From reference library to information service: services in danger
Abstract
For over a century, a reference department, or separate reference library, was a standard feature of public libraries. Now, reference departments are being replaced by information services of various kinds and reference librarians have become an endangered species. But an information service is not a reference library. While much has been gained, much, also, has been lost. Six elements of traditional reference work are highlighted as under threat, or worse. Such losses are impoverishing our services and standing.
Keywords
Citation
Duckett, B. (2004), "From reference library to information service: services in danger", Library Review, Vol. 53 No. 6, pp. 301-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530410544385
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited