This essay describes a web site evaluation project which served as the final assignment for an undergraduate "Introduction to Religion" course. The essay discusses lessons learned from the design and implementation of this web-based research assignment over three consecutive semesters. It includes insights from an instructor and a reference…

There's a lot of focus on the "Next Gen" librarians out there bringing a youth perspective that's supposed to shake things up and introducing new ideas and practices into a profession that sometimes moves forward at a glacial pace. But the ideas of the new generation do not invalidate the work done by those who came before. In fact, change in…

Over the years, as new technology became available, the author always tried to use it to improve his interactions with patrons. He wanted to make librarians' services friendlier and more personalized. The author stresses that social software was never really about the software; the "social" part of it was always the most crucial. One of the best…

"Embracing the chaos" is an ongoing challenge for librarians. Embracing the chaos means librarians must have a plan for responding to the flood of new products, widgets, web tools, and gizmos that students use daily. In this article, the author argues that library instruction and access services have been grappling with that chaos with…

In this article, the author talks about Twitter, a micro-blogging Web site, and how librarians can use Twitter to interact with students and to monitor actual usage of library services. He shares what he has learned from twittering with library users. He learned that Twitter expands the reach of research assistance. With students using the social…

Our article provides new reference librarians with practical recommendations and learning plans so that they can succeed as liaisons. Drawing from our experiences as new librarians, we explain how to practice continual learning, stay on top of the constantly changing environment of a liaison, pilot different techniques, and assess liaison work.

This essay argues that the reference librarian is an intellectual, peculiarly equipped to have technology work for the librarian rather than the librarian for technology. It is a conviction that all people, not just a celebrated few, must be served by reference librarians. Twenty-one references are included. (Author/EJS)

Draws on current social science literature and applies it to the library reference setting in order to identify the symptoms of burnout in reference librarians. Remedies are suggested for individuals afflicted by burnout. A reference list and bibliography are included. (JL)

Discusses the changes necessitated as the Library of Congress moves towards adoption of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 2 (AACR 2)," increases its use of automation in technical service procedures, and explores how such changes will disrupt a patron's ability to find materials or information locally. (Author)

Briefly reviews the current developments in public access catalogs and poses questions for the public service librarian. (FM)

Proposes the utilization of catalogers and other professional staff, rather than nonprofessionals, to augment reference librarian staffing. Shrinking reference staffs and lengthening service hours have created personnel shortages at the reference desk. Arguments for and against the proposal are examined. (RAA)

Argues that some reference librarians, often without knowing it, have become fact-totems--people who have made objects of worship out of facts. In suggesting an antidote to this "Gradgrind pedagogy," the author critically reviews some "reference" books. (JD)

This discussion of the issue of confidentiality or privacy in reference service describes similarities to other professions and explores the legal ramifications of confidentiality. Suggestions are offered to complement official professional guidelines in this area. Twenty references are listed. (MES)

Describes the nature of listening behavior and demonstrates how the technique of active listening can be an appropriate approach to enhancing communication between librarians and library patrons during the reference interview. Examples of active listening at the reference desk and suggestions on the effective use of this skill are provided.…

Discusses comments made in a previous column relating to reference librarians and online reference services. Topics include the inaccuracy of traditional reference services; the alleged decline in library reference activity; misunderstanding reference librarians; and perceiving Ask Jeeves as a useful alternative model to reference services. (LRW)