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Usenet as a reference tool

Tim W. Klassen (Electronic services librarian, University of Oregon Science Library, Eugene, Oregon.)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 1 February 1995

44

Abstract

Usenet is one of the most widely used services on the Internet. Recently, a handful of articles dealing with the mechanics and personal use of Usenet have appeared in the library literature, but little attention has focused on Usenet as a reference tool. This is unfortunate, since Usenet has the potential to serve as a valuable reference source to answer questions. With Usenet we have the ability to query the knowledge of a large well‐educated population on just about any subject from computers to popular culture. A question posted to the proper group on Usenet will often receive responses within hours. This article provides a brief introduction to Usenet and how it can be used for reference work, plus a guide to some of the issues involved with posting reference questions to Usenet. But first, I offer two examples of reference questions that I have answered using Usenet as a source.

Citation

Klassen, T.W. (1995), "Usenet as a reference tool", Reference Services Review, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 13-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb049241

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1995, MCB UP Limited

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