I really liked your post Stacey – it made me feel that my fear of wasting people’s time wasn’t limited to me alone! I find virtual reference service at the QUT library really helpful for that reason and certainly, as an online student for part of the time. However, as you say, there are times when a face to face interview cannot be replaced – I think the nuances are quite different and different messages can be relayed and received in person, especially when you are “stuck”. So it would definitely be comforting to think that the the 2 services could exist side by side. Let’s hope so!