2002FallQ1

Question #1
Reference service has traditionally been one of the primary services offered by libraries and other information agencies. With the increasing popularity of the Internet as a primary source of information, end users often search directly for information without the assistance or resources of the library or other intermediaries. Many reference departments report fewer questions, some libraries have seen circulation decline, and the types of questions fielded by reference service providers has changed. Some view this change as an indication that traditional reference service and intermediaries will become less important in the future. Others suggest that the popularity of the Internet makes reference service and intermediation increasingly important.

Select one of these positions and construct a well-reasoned argument to support your stance on this issue.