Whither the Reference Desk? 20th Century Values in a 21st Century Service Model

Column Editor's Notes

This column examines advances in public services internal and external to libraries. The focus is on how public services, such as instruction and education, programming, research consulting, and circulation evolve and impact users. The strength of the column is its broad, international focus and contributors are encouraged to explore issues and recent advances in public services relevant to their geographical region, as well as the larger, global audience. Interested contributors should contact the column editor at [email protected].

ABSTRACT

The reference desk, once a mainstay in academic libraries, is no longer a standard feature in the 21st century. This article explores current trends in reference services and uses the author's library and its need to serve an expanding campus as an opportunity to consider different models, including blended desks, online services, and traditional approaches.

KEYWORDS:

• Reference services
• reference desk
• reference staffing
• academic libraries