Revolution or evolution: reference planning in ARL libraries

Abstract

Reference statistics over the past ten years at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) reference desks have been gradually declining. In this survey, the author examined whether libraries are changing their services in response to these declines. A survey was conducted of ARL heads of reference services. Results show that reference services are responding to changes in statistics and resources by reorganizing, changing staffing levels, adding new services, and eliminating some services that are no longer useful. Librarians are performing more than reference activities, including collection development, and instruction. In addition, services for distant users are becoming more prevalent. Finally, libraries are conducting needs assessments to discover whether their users are satisfied with the current services and collections in their libraries. Areas for further research are explored.

Citation

Jackson, R. (2002), "Revolution or evolution: reference planning in ARL libraries", Reference Services Review, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 212-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320210435482