Carlson, S. (2007, April 1). Are reference desks dying out? Chronicles of Higher Education, 53(33), A37. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from ERIC database.
Summary and Reflection
This article discusses the possibility of there being no reference librarian sitting behind a desk in the near future. While proposals to get rid of the reference desk have been around since the 1980s, some argue that the reference desk will disappear by 2012. The reason for this is due to mobile technologies. These technologies allow the reference librarians to help patrons without sitting behind a desk. Some colleges and universities do not have a reference librarian/desk in the library. The librarians are answering the questions from the cellphone, email, instant messaging, facebook, wireless paging devices, and blogs. Since the origination of the Internet, use of the reference desk has dropped as much as 48% since 1991. This leaves some to wonder if reference desks are needed at all.
I am truly amazed how technology is so quickly evolving. It is now becoming the Darwin's "survival of the fittest" between technology and a librarian, and looks as if the technology may win out (it has in certain institutions). I still think that nothing compares to a face-to-face interaction, no matter how great the technology. I think the reference interview is so important, that while a face-to-face may only take a few minutes, a virtual interaction could take longer. Also a face-to-face allows for the librarian to question to make sure that what the patron is looking for is actually what is needed for the search. Another factor is that not everyone can afford the technology, so librarians are still needed for those who go to the library to complete their research. If no one is available, who will help those patrons? It will be interesting to see what happens in the near future. I just hope that the jobs aren't lost. Our economy is bad enough now.
No comments:
Post a Comment