What is reference?

      As students use the Internet to gather the majority of their research information, librarians are concerned with the quality of that information.  In addition, as budgets begin to shrink, many librarians find that purchasing print materials normally considered to be reference consume the majority of their funds.  So, in the 21st century library, the questions to consider are:

·         Is reference necessary? If so, how do we define reference today?

·         Is the relationship between publishers and librarians breaking down? Are librarians finding the right materials at the right price points?

·         Are librarians and teachers circumventing the publishers’ role by aggregating free online resources and creating research modules (or online references) to meet the needs of their users?  

·         How can subscription content be developed to allow student to access it easily from within the regular online search? How can users contribute content yet allow resources to retain their integrity?

·         How can subscription reference become a part of the social networking environment and still maintain the integrity of content?

·         What types of technology can be used to make reference more portable?  Can reference go portable?  (iPods, Kindle, cell phones)

·         Are we ready for a new business model for reference? What would it look like? Would librarians purchase only a portion of a reference subscription, for a limited time frame, rather than a subscription package? Should pricing be based upon use only? 

·         How do we educate (students / faculty) others about the differences between scholarly resources found in databases versus Internet reference?  How do we impress upon them the value-added content available in subscription databases?

·         Are we “dumbing-down” search engines and reference to meet the needs of the lowest levels?  Do we meet the needs of every user when we create “dumb” search options?