Types of reference services online include:
- online chat
- video chat
- e-mail
- websites
- answer archives
- subject guides
- FAQs
- virtual conferencing


Online Reference Services in Libraries

Reference services can take place: 
- in person at the library
- on the telephone
- online
- via SMS (text) messaging


San Jose State University

Services provided by librarians to help users find resources that fulfill their information needs.

Reference Services in Libraries

Yang, S. Q., & Dalai, H. A. (2015). Virtual reference: Where do academic libraries stand?. Computers In Libraries, 35(4), 4-10.

Virtual Reference: Where Do Academic Libraries Stand?

Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2009). Reference and information services in the 21st century: An introduction (2nd ed.). Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Reference and information services in the 21st century: An introduction

Guidelines approved by the Reference and User Services Association Board of Directors for having a successful reference interview include:

- visibility/approachability
- interest
- listening/inquiring
- searching
- follow-up

RUSA Guidelines

Reference services are generally broken into two parts:

1- Specifying the question

2- Answering the question

Two Parts of Reference Services

Reference Services Channels in Libraries

These are variations of references services offered as a part of Information Commons spaces

Reference Services in Information Commons

These are variations of references services offered as a part of Learning Commons spaces.

Reference Services in Learning Commons

The purpose of a record is to be used by patrons to gain information on a certain topic. An archivist can help the person find what they are looking for through reference services.

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