Reports reflections of library school reference teacher who practiced for year as day-to-day reference librarian. Highlights include ideal reference librarianship; concepts helpful in explaining low morale; changes in basic reference service elements (information resources, clients, librarians); current coping strategies; and ways in which to cope…

Describes a study that compared the quality of reference services provided by reference librarians and paraprofessionals, using patron satisfaction as the measure of success. Factors associated with satisfactory service are identified, and suggestions for the effective use of paraprofessional staff are presented. (4 references) (CLB)