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Collaboration as the Norm in Reference Work

Pomerantz, Jeffrey (2006) Collaboration as the Norm in Reference Work. Reference & User Services Quarterly 46(1):pp. 45-55.

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Abstract

The stereotype of the reference transaction is more or less unchanged since Samuel Swett Green’s day, as involving precisely one librarian and one user. There are many common situations in which the reference transaction is not a one-to-one interaction, and this article will explore those situations. Additionally, this article argues that as network technology is increasingly utilized in reference work, situations in which the reference transaction is not a one-to-one interaction are becoming more common. Indeed, this article argues that as network technology is increasingly utilized in reference work, reference work will become fundamentally a collaborative effort, to the benefit of both individual reference services and reference work in general.

EPrint Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:Reference, Digital Reference, Virtual Reference, Collaboration, Referrals, Interpersonal Communication, Consortia
Subjects:Reference Services
ID Code:1672
Deposited On:25 May 2007
Alternative Locations:http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=22603926&site=ehost-live, http://www.rusq.org/index.php/2006/10/03/test-article-post/, http://www.ils.unc.edu/~jpom/pubs/Preprint-RUSQ-2006.pdf
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