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From reference library to information service: services in danger

Bob Duckett (Reference Librarian (Retired), Bradford, UK)

Library Review

ISSN: 0024-2535

Article publication date: 1 August 2004

3477

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

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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