The impact of electronic information delivery on reference enquiries

Welcome:
Guest

Online Information Review

ISSN: 1468-4527

Online from: 1977

Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

Content: Latest Issue | Latest Issue RSS | Previous Issues

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

Document Information:
Title:	The impact of electronic information delivery on reference enquiries
Author(s):	Janet Murray, (Murray Consulting and Training Pty Ltd, Ocean Grove, Australia), Cindy Tschernitz, (Tell Me Now, Williamson, Australia)
Citation:	Janet Murray, Cindy Tschernitz, (2005) "The impact of electronic information delivery on reference enquiries", Online Information Review, Vol. 29 Iss: 2, pp.157 - 167
Keywords:	Australia, Electronic media, Internet, Library users, Reference services
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/14684520510598039 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the impact of greater access to electronic information, both free and fee-based, on reference enquiries. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology included an extensive literature review and interviews with reference services librarians both in Australia and overseas. Findings – The assumption that greater internet access and use equal a decline in public and state library reference enquiries is not proven. Originality/value – The paper concludes with a summary of trends, predictions and scenarios of usage of state and public library reference services in an increasingly electronic age, paying special attention and emphasis to the Australian environment.