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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/42 |
| Date | January 2001 |
| Creators | Vos, Louisa Johanna |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | Afrikaans |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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