How Has the Role of the Reference Librarian in Academic Libraries Changed Due to the Advancements of Electronic Media?

by Edwards, Carla V.

Carla V. Edwards. How Has the Role of the Reference Librarian in Academic Libraries Changed Due to the Advancements of Electronic Media? A Master’s paper for the M.S. in L.S. degree. April 2004. 29 pages. Advisor: Claudia Gollop

This study describes several interviews with reference librarians in two libraries of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The interviews were conducted to determine how the advancements of electronic media have changed the role of reference librarians in academic libraries. A series of questions were asked during each interview in order to learn the participants’ views on their role as reference librarian. Questions pertaining to the participants’ current role in their work setting and how they handle various needs of patrons were asked. Participants were also asked to provide opinionated statements pertaining to the historical progression of the field of reference librarianship in academic libraries and how or if electronic media has influenced it. Among other things, one significant finding was how reference librarians have now taken on more of a teacher role or that of an “information educator.”