Communities of practice offer reference librarians a conceptual model through which to develop and maintain general and subject specific knowledge. Reference librarians acquire general and subject-specific knowledge in many ways, sometimes independently and sometimes collaboratively. Applying the concept of the "community of practice" to reference…

Suggests several ways that reference librarians can improve their skills beyond library school training. Reference interviews are discussed; effective methods of browsing the reference collection are described; opportunities for learning at the reference desk are suggested; and professional reading and study is discussed, including professional…

Graduate programs must examine the curriculum for reference and information access professionals. Greater access to information sources by users has highlighted the need for reference and information professionals to develop new skills including more technological knowledge, a better understanding of user information-seeking, new instructional…