(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2000-10-12)
Henson, Bruce; Tomajko, Kathy
The contemporary academic library actively designs, implements, and markets alternative reference services to meet client needs and to retain its identity in the digital world. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changing nature of reference services based on preferred information delivery styles, remote availability of information, and evolving technologies. The emphasis will be on electronic reference services such ASK, chat, and video/teleconferencing. The history, current models, collaborative services, marketing, advantages, challenges, and staff competencies required to succeed in the digital reference environment will be discussed.