[12136] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: No more "library reference service"?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Anne G. Lipow)
Wed Apr 8 20:50:24 1998
Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 14:35:23 -0500
From: "Anne G. Lipow" <anne@Library-Solutions.com>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 18:38:27 -0600
From: Jack Kessler <kessler@well.com>
Would someone please explain to me, calmly, why the following will _not_
replace "library reference service" as we now know it?: note the "library
- quality" label in what follows --
"DULLES, Va./WAYNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 1998--"
"America Online and Infonautics to Offer Premium, Library-Quality Online
Research Services in AOL's Workplace and Research & Learn Channels --
[text deleted]
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If library reference service is not replaced by online services such as
AOL's and other commercial services that "add value" by enabling the
information seeker to ask a question online, it will be because we will
provide a better service to our primary constituencies that already pay us
through taxes, tuition fees, and such. How to stay relevant in this new
environment is exactly the point of the upcoming Library of Conference
institute June 29 and 30 (details below). I hope those of you who are in a
position to influence your library will attend. I don't know about calm,
but I can guarantee stimulating and provocative discussions at this event
that could be a major step in replying to Jack's question with "Because. . ."
--Anne Lipow
Library Solutions Institute
anne@library-solutions.com
REFERENCE SERVICE IN A DIGITAL AGE
June 29 - 30, 1998
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
(http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/digiref/)
Digital libraries. Metadata. Data mining. Collection Development.
Licensing. Cataloging. Preservation. Digital Object Identifiers. Access
Management. Remote reference. WHERE IS THE REFERENCE LIBRARIAN? What
kind and level of service is the reference librarian giving? What knowledge
and skills does a reference librarian need to provide quality and accurate
service? How can reference librarians be sure they have appropriate and
adequate real and digital tools to provide quality service? How can
reference librarians and their institutions work collaboratively to
provide quality service, across both the public and private sector
spectrum? Should reference librarians cede some of their responsibilities
to intelligent agents or other artificial intelligent technologies?
Come to the Library of Congress to discuss these and related issues,
with a focus on the real work being done by librarians in the trenches,
whether in library reading rooms, classrooms, or remotely. By registering to
attend, you will have the opportunity not only to listen to what some
specialists are thinking and doing, but also an opportunity to offer
your own perspective and suggestions during separate group discussions.
This institute is sponsored and hosted by the Library of Congress, in
cooperation with Library Solutions Institute of Berkeley, California.
For details on the schedule, topics, speakers and group leaders,
registration and fees, lodging, and a summary of the New Orleans open
discussion at ALA Midwinter, see the institute home page at:
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/digiref/
