By Kassandra Ortega
As we enter the new “digital age” libraries are evolving along with it. One aspect of library services that is transitioning more and more into the digital age is reference services and collections. In the past, print reference collections were a staple in libraries, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and more. However, with the rise of online resources, now with a click of a button we can access so much reference material digitally.
There has been debate over where the state of reference material stands between print and digital, with some librarians stating that print reference is dead, while others prefer to hold on to print reference materials to the end of time. Print reference materials are still important for various reasons, such as patrons who prefer to read through physical copies as opposed to digital versions, the reliability of print sources, and its accessibility (Terrell).
However, people do not come to the library anymore just to look at print materials anymore. Now the library is an important space where patrons come to study, research, work, relax, and even build community. Many who do use the library for research purposes use libraries’ databases and online catalogs from library computers or even remotely. As stated by Terrell, “Digital reference services are just another way of organizing information—there is no revolution here, unless it is in providing information with more efficiency—with breadth, depth, and access that surpasses what is possible via a print-only reference collection”(58).
Not only is reference collections becoming more and more digitized, but reference interviews as well. Now patrons can seek help from reference librarians digitally, through zoom calls, instant messaging, text messages, email, and more.
As libraries adapt to the digital age, this does not mean that libraries have to choose between either print or electronic. Libraries can and should develop a right balance between the two in order to best suit the needs of all patrons. This could be by weeding out unused print materials and building a strong, sustainable print collection, while also having an expansive digital system that provides access to online databases, catalogs, and ebooks. Both print and digital media will have its place in the digital age of libraries.
Works Cited
Terrell, Heather B. "Reference is Dead, Long Live Reference: Electronic Collections in the
Digital Age." Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 34, no. 4, 2015, pp. 55-62. EBSCOhost; Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=112088360&site=ehost-live&scope=site 10.6017/ital.v34i4.9098.
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