Rethinking reference and research

Volume 15, Number 6 • June 1998

Rethinking reference and research — SCOUG's Spring Workshop fielded top-notch speakers, record attendance
by Doris Helfer

REPORT FROM THE FIELD column recaps the Southern California Online User's Group Workshop in Industry, CA. Presents highlights from six presentations. Says Herb White of the University of Indiana's Library School spoke about the role of computers, and Chris Ferguson of Public Services Core and John Supra of the University of Southern California discussed the USC Information Services Division, created from a merger of the school's computer and library services. Notes Bob Kent from Lucent Technologies talked about service and budget issues, citing how librarians at Lucent automated back office functions and saved the company $3.5 million. Adds Jim Rettig and Joe Janes each discussed new reference models, and Jerry Campbell described why reference librarians need to become access engineers. Says Barbara Quint closed the session with a message about the need for universal service on a common delivery system.