Reference Work in Our Web World � Integrating Internet and Traditional Sources
Professional Reading Shelf Librarianship "Reference Work in Our Web World � Integrating Internet and Traditional Sources"
A few comments by George Plosker, Vice President for Content Support, at Gale. Before we go any further I would like to thank him for including the ResourceShelf and a few of my others resources in this article. Plosker writes, "Let's be blunt: information professionals, particularly reference librarians, have had a tentative relationship with the Internet and the World Wide Web. Initially viewed with distrust and perhaps even scorn, librarians have slowly recognized the added value that the Web brings to their ability to answer a broader range of patron questions. Now, finally, there is the widespread acceptance that either alone or in combination with more traditional resources, the Web expands the capabilities of reference professionals." He ends the column with, "The bottom line: today's reference professional needs to think broadly and creatively to meet user needs in a Web-conscious world." No arguments here. In fact, George's bottom line is VERY similar to the mindset I have when finding, annotating, and creating content for this site. An equal challenge is marketing, advertising, call it what you want, the resources, tools, and skills the information professional can provide.
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