[Prodev] New Twists on Traditional Services: Reference

[Connie Crosby]

Regarding Rosalie's question at the end of her message, "Why are some =
libraries getting more in-depth reference requests?" I think there at =
least two reasons:

(1) there are increasingly more information and information sources =
available to people, and it is becoming generally more difficult to =
navigate through it all; and=20

(2) researchers are becoming more sophisticated in the sense they can do =
lots of electronic searching and pull up lots and lots of stuff for =
themselves, but they don't necessarily find the specific information they =
need.

As a result of these two factors, the questions now have to be highly =
refined so people get just what they need.  Many of the partners and =
associates we provide service to now realize it is not enough to say "Get =
me everything on contracts". =20

In our organization, a private law firm library, the number of articling =
students (equivalent to first year associates in the U.S.) was reduced so =
our reference questions increased both in number and in sophistication.  =
Reports back from partners is often that the library's research results =
are superior to articling students'.  It is just difficult for articling =
students/associates to keep up with changes in research resources and =
become expert at using them, although some do.  Despite vendor's attempts =
to market services directly to the end-user, we are needed more than ever =
as an intermediary.

Connie Crosby
Library Manager
WeirFoulds LLP
Barristers & Solicitors
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tel:  416-947-5057
Fax: 416-365-1876
ccrosby@weirfoulds.com
www.weirfoulds.com
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