The traditional academic reference environment has been transformed by electronic technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consequences of this transformation concerning the changing role of the reference librarian as well as the new competencies that are needed to be efficient in this electronic information environment. Research method: A literature study was conducted in order to establish the nature of the traditional academic reference environment; to determine the changes that took place in the electronic reference environment and the effect of these changes on the role expectations and competencies of the academic reference librarian. Core findings: The role of the academic reference librarian in an electronic environment has changed from sole information provider in the traditional environment to facilitator and guide to relevant resources in the electronic environment. Three main roles have been identified: it can be expected of an academic reference librarian to be a trainer, an information manager and to be equipped to handle information enquiries via electronic mail. Reference librarians need additional training and continuing education in order to develop new skills and acquire new knowledge to enable them to handle these identified tasks. Although responsibilities for providing training and education opportunities reside with library managers, in the end, each reference librarian must assume responsibility for acquiring the required competencies. Librarians must not see the developments in information technology and especially Internet as a threat, but as an opportunity and vehicle to deliver and support better information services to users. / Thesis (M.Bibl.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002.

The traditional academic reference environment has been transformed by electronic technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consequences of this transformation concerning the changing role of the reference librarian as well as the new competencies that are needed to be efficient in this electronic information environment. Research method: A literature study was conducted in order to establish the nature of the traditional academic reference environment; to determine the changes that took place in the electronic reference environment and the effect of these changes on the role expectations and competencies of the academic reference librarian. Core findings: The role of the academic reference librarian in an electronic environment has changed from sole information provider in the traditional environment to facilitator and guide to relevant resources in the electronic environment. Three main roles have been identified: it can be expected of an academic reference librarian to be a trainer, an information manager and to be equipped to handle information enquiries via electronic mail. Reference librarians need additional training and continuing education in order to develop new skills and acquire new knowledge to enable them to handle these identified tasks. Although responsibilities for providing training and education opportunities reside with library managers, in the end, each reference librarian must assume responsibility for acquiring the required competencies. Librarians must not see the developments in information technology and especially Internet as a threat, but as an opportunity and vehicle to deliver and support better information services to users. / Thesis (M.Bibl.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002.