Expanding Networks: Reference Services for MRDF

Machine‐readable data files (MRDF) are now a basic part of the information revolution. Reference librarians can learn to play a major role in disseminating information about MRDF and in helping patrons to use them to retrieve information. A major library may have access to computer tapes or cartridges of numeric and statistical databases. Other MRDF may be available through various online services, electronic bulletin boards, flexible diskettes and optical disks. Since many statistical data are available only in machine‐readable format, reference librarians will need to integrate MRDF into their normal approach to information retrieval. One must concur with Ms. Bliss Beckman Siman who wrote in 1986 that “there is probably too little attention paid either by the literature or the professional organizations to the areas of reference and bibliographic instruction with machine‐readable data files.” Further, she stated “clearly the first necessity is to meet the technical demands of this new media but without more attention to the techniques of public service the expected use of this information resource simply won't develop.” Greater emphasis must be placed on the importance of the reference transaction in expanding the use of MRDF in both teaching and research. This article will discuss some of the major issues concerned with providing reference services for MRDF.