Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Societal Transformation And Reference Services In The Academic Library: Theoretical Foundations For Re-Envisioning Reference, Pamela N. Martin

Library Faculty & Staff Publications

This paper draws on theories of societal transformation, specifically the information society and postmodernism, to pinpoint challenges and offer concrete advice for re-envisioning reference services in the academic library, including traditional reference work and formal library instruction. Rather than acting as experts to whom all patrons should defer, reference librarians should serve as helpful guides and fellow explorers of the information universe.