Reference service is defined as the mediation by a librarian between the need structures of users and the structures of information resources. The general process by which reference librarians accomplish this is outlined as including the phases of question clarification, question translation, search strategy formulation, search execution, delivery…

Argues that while academic libraries should integrate technology, maintain holistic computing environments, deliver core services through networks, make technology work for everyone not just the technologically adroit, and collaborate across administrative lines, reference services should retain traditional values such as equity of access,…