Comments on: Debating The Future Of The Reference Desk

By: Constantine

Constantine — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:22:53 +0000

When we think about eliminating a time proven essential function of librarians, reference services, I believe that we are considering calling the dogs on ourselves. After all, when we perform reference services at Universities and High Schools, students and patrons know that a reference librarian becomes essential to fast and efficient service in a known location. Sure we can add technology into the reference desk function, because it is part of the essence of the reference service, however, to eliminate the desk altogether may provide reasons not to try to use the library at all. In my library, I create a special service in that I am tech educated and a librarian. So I literally offer the reference service wherever I am on campus simply by using my Iphone or iPod Touch connected through WiFi. I know that when my clerk is not able to serve a patron, a short phone call, beeper, or alarm setting on a mobile tech device can call me to a place I should always be. In the library. Sure tech is a great tool, but to eliminate the reference desk is to take away essential services from patrons today and in the future. I say reference service stays where I am the Library Administrator.

By: The Future of the Reference Desk Revisited…12.04.08 « The Proverbial Lone Wolf Librarian’s Weblog

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:08:23 +0000

[...] March 26:Â Debating the Future of the Reference DeskÂ by Steven Bell and Sarah [...]

By: lauren’s library blog » the future of the reference desk

lauren’s library blog » the future of the reference desk — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:21:30 +0000

[...] March 26: Debating the Future of the Reference Desk by Steven Bell and Sarah [...]

By: Letting Alumni Know About The Academic Library

Letting Alumni Know About The Academic Library — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:49:47 +0000

[...] Perkins Library. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the piece begins with a mention of the 2006 Columbia University Library Reference Symposium on the future of the reference desk in which I debated Sarah Watstein of UCLA. The author, Jacob Dagger, also quotes liberally from my [...]

By: Jennie

Jennie — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:30:16 +0000

I think it is an important question and I am torn. What I am excited about are the attempts and experimentation by libraries to provide reference services beyond the desk.

I just think we have to be open to other service models. The desk is a vaulable service point, but are there other points we miss by focusing on the desk.

Still pondering the topic — like all interactions with the public the desk depends on the day — good day you love it — bad days you dread it.

By: Jerry Cantilero

Jerry Cantilero — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:31:20 +0000

The reference desk is UNDENIABLY a powerful symbol and essential to the mission and purpose of academic reference service. I don’t have any opposition with that assertion given by Ms. Sarah. BUT, getting rid of reference desk DOESN”T mean eradicating the reference sevices from the other LIBRARY SERVICES which a libarary offers.

My AFFIRMATIVE CONVICTION regarding this issue is due to the idea of making the most out of the productivity of our colleagues who are delegated to carry out their roles as reference desk librarians.

During the times when they don’t have library patrons to be served, the online reference librarian could do other things and could freely patrol in other units of the library where the staff is really needed, e.g. , circulation unit, reference unit.

UNLIKE, the reference desk librarian CANNOT DO THAT because a reference desk needs to be manned at all times because at any time of the day, library patrons might come with a reference inquiries. Therefore, they must stay there the whole day waiting the library patrons to come, worst there is nothing to be waited at all.

Here is my email address: jerrycantilero@yahoo.com

By: Archibald C. Gueco

Archibald C. Gueco — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:02:17 +0000

well to me it’s a well know fact that reference in America is important and helpful to the patrons. But here in the Philippines is quite different most of our patrons here usually stay away from our librarians and even reference librarians. even they looked like stupid and fool.

By: Warming Up To The Idea Of User Education

Warming Up To The Idea Of User Education — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:47:49 +0000

[...] motivated to try harder to put our desks out of business”. Perhaps he’s been reading ACRLog posts, the Chronicle or Library Issues more recently. But the big surprise is that Anderson may be [...]

By: stevenb

stevenb — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:53:48 +0000

I guess we could discuss what’s a reference question (what’s the population of france; what was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s ship, etc – quick ref, facts, stats) versus what you call a “research-based question”. I base my assertion on talking to a number of librarians as I prepared for the debate. I also base this on conversations that occured at a reference desk discussion at midwinter. Lots of folks are saying traditional reference questions have dropped. And no matter how many you get – it’s probably less than the year before or five years ago. That’s according to the ARL statistics as well as andecdotal evidence from nearly every librarian I talk with.

By: Adrienne Franco

Adrienne Franco — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:58:18 +0000

Steve — you state ” Weâ€™re not getting real reference questions anymore; we are getting lots of printer and computer questions (you call that reference?); ”
This is simply not true, at least not in my experience or that of my colleagues. We get many research-based questions. What is your source of information for making this assertion?