What’s Working and What Isn’t: An Exploratory Study of Current Reference Models in Large Academic Libraries
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: : This qualitative research study explored current reference models in academic libraries to determine what’s working well and what isn’t. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 participants overseeing reference services at large, land-grant universities. The findings suggest that there is still perceived value in point-of-need, face-to-face research assistance provided by a librarian or professional staff member at a designated location, although most participating libraries are using a combination of approaches rather than relying solely on this traditional model. The data indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all solution; rather, solutions are context-dependent and develop through incremental changes, often in response to internal and/or external pressures.
Source: portal Libraries and the Academy
Authors: William H. Weare, Jaena Alabi, John Fullerton
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funders: Texas AgriLife Research, Purdue University, Utah State University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Wichita State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, Auburn University, Washington State University, North Carolina State University, Michigan State University, University of Connecticut, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State University, West Virginia University, Oregon State University, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst
OpenAlex ID: W4414886549
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: