I read the article "What Will Become of Reference in Academic and Public Libraries" by Jack O'Gorman and Barry Trott (2009). The article begins by discussing changes that have occurred in the field. The authors note that "some of the changes happening in reference include smaller reference collections, the disposition of printed reference books, and the increased use of eletronic tools." (O'Gorman, J.& Trott, B., 2009 pg. 327). These changes are relevant and have been reiterated throughout this course in our texts and discussions in class. I also saw these reflections in the public library I observed at the beginning of our course. The article goes on to discuss the implications that the Internet has brought to the reference desk and the subsequent effects its purpose in a library. The article goes on to mention that the materials and locations of information are changing and evolving, but so are the patrons. For example, the authors state the following in regard to patron frustration or unsuccessful reference experiences: "Sometimes it is because the information is not there, but often it is because their search skills are not as focused." (O'Gorman, J. & Trott, B.,2009 p. 328) I found this to be true in my middle school patrons, who expect an answer to just appear the moment their fingertips touch the keyboard of our library computers. Today, for example, I had a patron with a reference query about BMX bikes, and he was looking for a source on the Internet. His teacher, who was standing nearby, mentioned that he had to have a print source, and he looked at her with a confused grimace. It turns out that he had never even considered a print source, such as a periodical or encyclopedia, for a research query! This first-hand experience really connected me to this article, because I do think that research skills and electronic resource instruction are vital to the survival of libraries and reference desks.
The article goes on to discuss that librarians need to evolve and extend their services beyond the reference desk. The authors discuss various solutions to the "rift" between patrons and reference desks/librarians, such as the online reference tools we have been seeking, locating, discussing ,and using for our RIA projects and role-playing. The authors make some interesting arguments for patrons' needs in the article, as well. For instance, O'Gorman & Trott (2009) state: "If anything, in this complex information environment, students and public library users require even more assistance." (O'Gorman, J. & Trott,B., 2009 pg. 329). I would have to agree with this quotation, because it does seem that while the Internet and technology advances have irrevocably simplified our lives, tasks, and education, they have also made them quite complicated by inundating us with "information overload". The article goes on to discuss ways that we as librarians can mold our reference programs to fit patron needs. It mentions that while patrons may be less likely to approach the reference desk, and may be asking fewer questions overall, that they are asking tougher, "meatier" questions that require a lot of knowledge of Internet/database/resource navigation (O'Gorman, J. & Trott, B., 2009 pg. 330, 334)
There were some really interesting points in this article that I took personally. I liked that the authors discussed the roving librarian feature that some reference desks are offering. I even tried that myself today and met up with my aforementioned BMX query from a student who would not have asked me or approached the desk. Another quotation that struck me was the following: "Librarians also need to do a better job of promoting the current services offered to users." (O'Gorman, J. & Trott, B., 2009 pg. 330) This is important to remember, because sometimes I get wrapped up in new and innovative tools and gadgets for the media center, and I forget to promote the items that we have spent a large sum of money on in the past that are still relevant and useful. Finally, the article mentioned that print sources do seem to be becoming obsolete with time, especially since even reference librarians themselves are going to the web and online resources as a first-resort for answers. (O'Gorman, J. & Trott, B., 2009 pg. 331) I think we as reference librarians can't expect patrons to use the print resources if we are promoting or using them ourselves. That was an eye-opening thought.
Source:
O'Gorman, J., & Trott, B. (2009). What Will Become of Reference in Academic and Public Libraries?. Journal Of Library Administration, 49(4), 327-339. doi:10.1080/01930820902832421
I really enjoyed reading how you connect your own experiences with the ideas put forth in this article. You make me think, "Katie is right on the money about this!" :-)
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