Of sundials and digital watches: A further step toward the new paradigm of reference

Judging by the amount of comment on various electronic bulletin boards, it seems that the library profession is indeed embracing a “new paradigm of reference.” Libraries around the country are abandoning their traditional reference desk and replacing it with an information desk, staffed by paraprofessionals or graduate students. These students answer repetitive directional and quick‐answer reference questions. Reference librarians, in turn, are moving behind the scenes to await referrals. The student or patron needing more lengthy research help, such as a college student just starting a term paper, a small businessperson needing market information, or a person studying local history spends time with a librarian and receives needed research assistance.