Issues and Trends in the Management of Reference Services: A Historical Perspective

ABSTRACT

In this article, the author reviews the history of reference service from a management perspective. Topics covered include: definitions of reference service; staffing; service models; modes of communication, including remote reference services; collections; education and training; and assessment. The author discusses changes over time and current challenges for reference managers.

This article originally published in Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 51, Issue 3, pages 259–278, 2011. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2011.556936.

KEYWORDS:

• history of reference
• management of reference
• reference assessment