Reference resources vs E-Reference

[Subeesh A C]

Advent of new technologies in the information sector, change in pedagogy, innovative learning and research methods and with the explosion in information and channels,all led the traditional reference sources into cross roads. Though it is irritating to e-read (not surfing)continuously, the way we traditionally tailored reference sources in the print media and the way the programmers uses the algorithm to set up the same in the online world, go well in tandem; sometimes beautifully and so effectively that it moreover satisfy the switch-over’s along with the geeks.

Even though I am eagerly waiting for both types of users, lately but mostly, I am out of touch with some part of my old, dusty and over-weighted reference collections. In some way we can say it reflects the change; in users demanding patterns, urgency, literacy in alternatives and it can also be change in their level of expectation from our resources. Anyway they are pulling me from using my traditional armory to defend and fire against their reference queries. There is neither an FDI problem, nor any technology-transfer problem to impress and bring back the users back to their collection. It is always simple that the utility of a resource is directly related to the need for it, with the presumption that users know what they are using and how to use it.

E resources are gradually diminishing the boundary kept by our traditional print resources; now it depends on various factors like user demands, price… to determine whether to include it under the reference or not. Even if we include it, what about Journal aggregators, proquest DB…etc? Over the years we are seeing a lot of changes in the formats of reference sources and the way it is consumed. But the remaining fact is, it is not only from where we are giving, but it matters how you are uplifting the user in personal way; by understanding the users and their information needs. It involves making them independent in their information needs, even outside the library Wi-Fi area.That means even outside the users subject subscription area, the librarian should make the user competent in accessing the documents of his/her needs through the alternative open/free access platforms (information literacy). It may demand all of us to stay in hunt hour-by-hour for better reference resources online, because unlike print resources online resources frequency of updation is unimaginable. For a better service it is mandatory, and it will lead the librarian directly into relevant resource and also sanction a better place in the user’s memory (Don’t forget to show some interest in his/her subject, with a pleasing smile). If not, we both have to go behind google, and google is not a better Librarian, even not passed MLISc. Just remember the following words, it still stands:

Reference Service is a ‘Personal Service to each reader in helping him to find the documents answering his interest at the moment pin pointedly, exhaustively and expeditiously.’

For a better world.
Subeesh A C