The document discusses the future of reference collections in libraries. It outlines that reference collections traditionally included dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other resources for quick fact-checking, but users now prefer electronic versions. This poses issues for libraries in maintaining both print and digital formats with limited budgets. The document also notes that reference sections have become neglected and outdated. It suggests libraries develop collection policies to guide updating reference materials in electronic or print.

1. The Future of
Reference Collections
Sandy Chambers Gallipeau
LIS 9315
Collection Development
July 31, 2012
http://www.insanetwist.com/2010/12/sculptures-from-
reference-books.html

2. Agenda
• Reference Collection
• Purpose
• Issues
• Future

3. Reference Collection
• Dictionaries
• Encyclopedias
• Thesaurus
• Indexes
• Style manuals
• Directories
• Periodical

4. Purpose
• Find information quickly and
efficiently
• Definition, spelling, word origin
• Brief information as a starting point
• Keywords for search terms
• Geographical information such as
location, population, industry

5. Issues
• Users want electronic, decrease in print
• Cannot maintain electronic and print
• Print collections
Neglected
Not adequately weeded
Stagnated
no longer relevant
Don’t know it is there

6. Issues
• Access to electronic collections
Academic Libraries
High speed internet connection
Students
Distance, commuter
Accessibility accommodations
Alumni
• Public Libraries
Canadian Government cut funding to the
Community Access Program (CAP) May 2012

7. Reference Collection
Development Policy
• Most libraries don’t have a policy
• Less in-depth, more general language
• Interdisciplinary approach to weeding and
collecting the reference collection (King, 2012)
Format new acquisitions, paper or electronic
or both
Location for new acquisitions
reference collection
general stacks

8. Reference Services
• Once staffed
almost
entirely by
professional
librarians”
• Bibliographic
instruction or
Information
Literacy

9. Marketing and Promotion
• Most libraries need to do a better job
at marketing their collection
• More effective promotion and better
wayfinding to
the collection

10. Examples
• Toronto Reference Library
• University of Guelph
• University of Waterloo

11. Questions?
Thank you

12. Bibliography
Bibliography
Charlton, C. (2012, May 31). 41st PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION. Retrieved May 2012, from Parliament of Canada:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=5627457&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Se
s=1
Detmering, R., & Sproles, C. (2012). Reference in transition: A case study in reference. Collection Building, 31 (1), 19 -
22.
East, J. W. (2010). The rolls royce of the library reference collection. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50 (2), 162-
169.
Francis, M. (2012). Weeding the reference collection: A case study. The Reference Librarian, 53 (2), 219 - 234.
King, N. (2012). Nice vs. necessary: Reference collections in ARL member libraries. The Reference Librarian, 53 (2),
138–155.
Kurhan, S. H., & Griffing, E. A. (2011). Horse racing at the library: How one library system increased the usage of some
of its online databases. Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 23 (2), 150 - 161.
Smith, D. A., & Oliva, V. T. Becoming a renaissance reference librarian in academe: Attitudes toward generalist and
subject specific reference and related profession development. Reference Services Review, 38 (1), 125 - 151.
Tyckoson, D. A. (2011). Issues and trends in the management of reference services: A historical perspective. Journal of
Library Administration, 51 (3), 259 - 278.
Images
Cartoonstock.com
www.insanetwist.com/2010/12/sculptures-from-reference-books.html
University of Guelph Library
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2010/09/library-reference-desk-made-from-books
University of Toronto Public Library
UCLA Library and used with permission
Sandy.gallipeau@gmail.com