[LM_NET] K-12 Reference Section Question

["Gustafson, Jean" <JeanGustafson@SELAH.K12.WA.US>]

If you read and have replied great, if you have not, this is your opportunity to 
chime in on this currently small discussion.
 
 
A library world definition for the reference section of a library includes the 
wording that these are the materials that are NOT circulated, the materials that 
the librarian uses to answer questions.

With the changes I'm seeing in information collection and delivery, it seems to me 
that the traditional reference collection is dwindling down to the basics; 
encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, specialized dictionaries and non-fiction sets or 
specialized encyclopedias.  Mainly, the items are sets, things because of the 
nature of their use need to stay together as the set.  Their size or the quantity 
owned are other reasons for items to remain in a reference section.  These items 
are not being checked out on a regular basis, so do stay mainly in the library.  
(Ours are on an overnight checkout basis.)

The on-line resources and the Internet are taking over for other items that 
traditionally were considered reference materials.  These are being called ready 
reference.

With shrinking budgets and more strategic use of purchase power, the vast majority 
of information resources that are purchased in book format are placed in the 
non-fiction section so that the patrons of the library are successful researchers 
(users of information) and the materials are more likely to be checked out.  (Used!)

The 21st century library's collection is shifting from a reference warehouse to a 
resource provider.  The plethora of books being published on almost any topic means 
that big expensive volumes do not need to be purchased anymore to cover topics (and 
shelved in a reference section), but individual books covering specific topics that 
can be made available to the patrons in the non-fiction section of the library.  
And of course online resources, that greatly expand our collections.

Please share your thoughts on this topic, agree or disagree?  As 21st century 
libraries shift to meet the needs of their patrons, the traditional reference 
section is shrinking as Online databases, Internet and non-fiction materials takes 
it's place.

Jean

R. Jean Gustafson
Teacher/Librarian
Selah Jr. High
Selah, WA 98942
jeangustafson@selah.k12.wa.us

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