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Annotated Bibliography: Reference Collections and Staff: Retaining Relevance

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Rix, W. (2009). Reference Collections and Staff: Retaining Relevance. Reference Librarian, 50(3), 302–305. https://doi-org.proxy-clarion.klnpa.org/10.1080/02763870902947109

Wright Rix, a Reference Librarian for Santa Monica Public Library, describes the advantages and reasoning for downsizing a print Reference collection. As information is sought online more and more changing a library’s focus to digitized media not only helps to provide quick online answers for patrons, a reduction in the print collection allows for expansion from other more popular sections such as audio visual and other print selections.

Summary

Rix provides an overview of what reducing a print collection means. Over time patrons are more likely to seek information online and are less likely to seek information in the reference area or even spend much time sitting down for research. By selecting electronic resources and digitizing historical records and other such material the floor space in the library allows for expansion in areas. Rix gives examples of projects that some libraries are undertaking in digitizing photographs, oral histories, and even local newspapers. These projects allow for reducing what is kept on hand in the library and allows the time and staff needs to be used in other pursuits.  

Although brief the information in the article is helpful, especially if a librarian is hesitant to reduce their print reference material. Rix describes a drastic 30% reduction in reference material while daunting was necessary. Rix also suggests that while reducing print material is needed information is not lost only changed form. This article proves good information and options for weeding a refence collection with many positive changes it can have on a library and community.

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