Reference And Information Services: An Introductio extreme lyrics evang
Reference and Information Services: An Introduction
Reference and information services are among the most important functions of libraries and other information organizations. They involve providing access to various types of information sources and services to meet the diverse needs of users. In this article, we will explore what reference and information services are, how they have evolved over time, what principles and ethics guide them, what resources and tools they use, and what skills and techniques they require. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the nature and scope of reference and information services and their role in the information society.
What are Reference and Information Services?
Reference and information services can be defined as the activities that help users identify, locate, evaluate, and use information to satisfy their information needs. They can take various forms, such as answering questions, providing instructions, conducting research, creating bibliographies, providing referrals, etc. They can also be delivered in various ways, such as face-to-face, telephone, email, chat, text, etc. They can be offered by various types of information organizations, such as libraries, archives, museums, government agencies, businesses, etc.
The main purposes of reference and information services are to:
Support the information literacy and lifelong learning of users
Facilitate the access and use of information resources and services
Enhance the user satisfaction and experience
Promote the value and visibility of information organizations
The main benefits of reference and information services are to:
Help users solve problems and make decisions
Help users develop new knowledge and skills
Help users save time and effort
Help users discover new information and opportunities
The History and Development of Reference and Information Services
Reference and information services have a long and rich history that reflects the changes in the information environment and the user expectations. In this section, we will trace the major milestones in the evolution of reference and information services from their origins to the present day.
The Early Years: From Print to Telephone
The origins of reference and information services can be traced back to the ancient times, when libraries were established as repositories of knowledge and wisdom. The earliest forms of reference and information services were based on print sources, such as scrolls, manuscripts, books, etc. The librarians or other information workers acted as custodians, catalogers, interpreters, or advisors of these sources. They also provided oral or written responses to the inquiries of users who visited the libraries or sent letters.
The invention of printing in the 15th century led to a rapid increase in the production and dissemination of print sources. This created new challenges and opportunities for reference and information services. On one hand, it became more difficult to organize, manage, and access the growing collections of print sources. On the other hand, it became possible to reach more users and provide more diverse and comprehensive information. The librarians or other information workers developed new methods and tools for classifying, indexing, abstracting, annotating, etc. print sources. They also started to publish bibliographies, guides, directories, etc. to help users find and use print sources.
The invention of telephone in the 19th century introduced a new mode of communication and delivery for reference and information services. It enabled users to contact librarians or other information workers remotely and receive immediate responses. It also enabled librarians or other information workers to consult other experts or institutions for more information. The telephone-based reference and information services became popular in the 20th century with the development of public libraries, especially in urban areas.
The Mid-Twentieth Century: From Microfilm to Online Databases
The mid-twentieth century witnessed a series of technological innovations that transformed the format and access of information sources and services. Some of these innovations were: microfilm, photocopier, computer, modem, online database, etc. These technologies enabled the creation, storage, retrieval, transmission, duplication, etc. of large amounts of information in digital or analog forms. They also enabled the connection and integration of various information systems and networks.
The emergence of these technologies had a significant impact on reference and information services. They expanded the scope and variety of information sources and services available to users. They also increased the speed and convenience of accessing information sources and services. The librarians or other information workers adopted these technologies to enhance their collection development, cataloging, searching, evaluation, etc. of information sources. They also started to offer online reference and information services via computer terminals, modems, email, etc. to users who had access to these technologies.
The Late Twentieth Century: From CD-ROMs to the Internet
The late twentieth century saw a further advancement in digital technologies that revolutionized the production and distribution of information sources and services. Some of these technologies were: CD-ROMs, DVDs,