Trends Reflection: The historical relationship between reference work and information literacy instruction in academic libraries
Reference work has been defined as a series of transactions between librarians and clients in which the client is assisted with their information needs through reference to particular sources of information, instructions in their use, or feedback with interpretation of information sources. Information literacy as a movement took hold in the 1990s at a time in which a shift was observed from modern industrial society to the emergence of post-modern information based societies. This shift also has changed reference services as well as the nature and method of information literacy instruction. There have been many changes to the field of referencing over the last 10 years to the point which some claimed that reference work was no longer viable. However Laura Saunders asserts that information literacy instruction “has been a core component of reference job descriptions since the mid 1960s” and is actually increasingly emphasized as an important library skill and service for library clients.

The digital age certainly presents unique challenges in reference work. The traditional role of academic libraries and librarians was as ‘central mediators’ between students and information sources. However students these days more commonly use search engines as a reference tool. Indeed many users claim that library mediation is redundant for them, a phenomenon described as disintermediation. The implications of technology use is that users browse and skim material on websites rather than engaging in reading and evaluating sources/arguments. In addition, experience with search engines has influenced a noted preference among users for natural language searching and an under-appreciation for search strategies such as Boolean.  Librarians through reference work can close this gap in understanding of the online information environment so that students do not rely on the open web (google and Wikipedia) to complete academic assessments.

In an interesting discussion regarding trends in referencing Frank Menchaca from Gale Cengage Learning asserted that the future of reference work in academic libraries depends on librarians asserting (and promoting) their role as information literacy experts. Wikipedia is essentially acting as a reference service; the popularity of this platform indicates that reference services are still required by information seekers! Interestingly despite this trend the results of a recent nationwide survey of US librarians established that reference work was the most frequently engaged in activity for these librarians. The perception of the decline of reference services may be due to their decentralisation. Different service models have been experimented with however most libraries have initiated a virtual reference service. In this way traditional reference services have been re-conceptualised both online as well as in the library for example with the instigation and promotion of librarian reference appointments to students. The latter is in line with the trend towards bringing reference services to people such as in airports.

As internet search tools are preferred as discovery tools thereby directly competing with library services a trend has been observed of increased marketing of reference services to both vendors and students. Branding and communication of library services is a hot topic including the potential for social media to facilitate this however one issue has proven to be limited staff resources for these tasks.  In terms of information literacy instruction some believe faculty should take responsibility for directing students to the library, others emphasise the importance of embedded information-literacy instruction programs.

The fluidity of information has changed the way reference services are organised. Ranganathan’s fifth law of library science is that the library is a growing organism. The library therefore should has needed to adapt in line with user needs/capabilities in order to continue its service to students. Librarians have explored creative solutions to engage in information literacy instruction in the digital era.  Changes in the information environment have required innovation in reference services, however the relationship between reference and information literacy instruction it could be argued is more important than ever. Mediation is still necessary to facilitate information literacy skill development which students can take with them in future independent research.

• This topic was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Bronwyn Linthwaite.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Bronwyn Linthwaite.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 8 months ago by Bronwyn Linthwaite.