This is a time of transition in academic libraries. Core functions -- like reference services, collection development, and preservation -- are being rethought and redefined as libraries move from ...

At the University of California at Merced’s library, there is no reference desk and there never has been. The way reference services are delivered there would intrigue some and disturb others. At the ...

“Can athlete’s foot catch on fire?” “Do you guys need any tutors for football?” “Do you have anything to eat?” These and other urgent academic library reference questions are answered in this final ...

A new question has been popping up for the Rochester Public Library’s reference desk. Could the water leak that damaged much of the second floor point to a way to engage more library users? "Having ...

In San Francisco, a woman logs on to a Web site from her home computer and types a question: Where can I find the president’s 2006 budget request for NASA? A librarian, who is also online, directs the ...

“How do you undo nerve gas?” “How do you make rope out of human hair?” “Would you mind checking out this rash?” These are other burning reference questions are answered in this homage to the 7.2 ...