Redefining reference services in academic libraries: a critical review

Abstract

Within the 21st century, academic libraries have witnessed a lot of technological changes, which cannot be wished away. There is need to rethink and redefine the reference services in the library. Reference librarians in academic libraries cannot stay static or traditional in their services or outreach to users, they need to harness technology and its capabilities in order to provide the information and literacy skills needed today by the ‘net gen’ generation of users. The library users of today in the academic libraries coupled with the advancement of technology has changed the physical makeup of libraries and their functions and, thus, has made an impact on the way information is delivered, as libraries strive to redefine their services in order to meet users’ needs and expectations. It is now possible for libraries to offer reference services to their patrons without worrying about the geographical limitations. This paper will review how emerging technologies are being utilized to offer virtual reference services and how they have impacted on academic libraries.