Electronic Stacks: Using Web Sources in Reference Service

Di Su, York College

This work was originally published in The Reference Librarian.

Abstract

The awareness of Web sources in reference service has risen in recent years, as many reference librarians have become more Internet-minded. During the reference process, we often ask ourselves: can this question be answered by using the Web? The use of Web sources is expanding the amount of available reference information, enhancing individual libraries’ collection, and hence, providing better user service. There are many benefits in using the Web sources in reference service. There are also some drawbacks. Some useful Web sources are reviewed. The Web, when used properly, provides reference librarians with a valuable resource option to help improve their services in an effective manner.