More from the Reference Evolution Preconference
Posted by: Rebecca Vnuk
In a previous post, I talked about Joe Janes’ presentation at last month’s ”Reference Evolution” preconference organized by the MARS and RSS sections of RUSA and held at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D. C.
Amy VanScoy, associate head of research and information services, North Carolina State University Libraries, was the second speaker, and in a talk entitled “Philosophy or Fads: What Will Guide Your Reference Practice?” she presented what I thought was a very useful way to think about reference in the face of tremendous change. Librarians need to develop a personal philosophy of reference–for example, to provide answers, teach skills, reduce barriers, be the human connection–that remains constant, while technologies come and go. This approach seems a good way to keep the focus on what really matters in reference work.
You can find a link to Amy’s slides here.
