Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the changing nature of reference and information services in the modern electronic era and how the various technological developments in libraries have led to the emergence of new service paradigms. Electronic access to information is transforming both the concept of future libraries and the way in which reference librarians are disseminating the information services. This paper also describes the nature of reference services being provided in Panjab University Library in the context of changing technologies. The wide availability of electronic information and access to databases, full-text periodicals, etc. have further enabled the library to offer customized electronic reference services to their users that increases both the richness of these services and the number of users getting benefited from these. Keywords: Information Technology/ Digital Resources/ Virtual Reference Services/ Electronic Information. Introduction Information is one of the basic needs of human beings and it is unlimited in scope. People seek information from different sources and formats for undertaking a variety of tasks. Tremendous growth in knowledge, technological advancements have led to an increased awareness of the importance of information in all aspects of life. Academic institutions play a key role in society by preparing future generations to use the acquired knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities more effectively. Libraries are considered as a nucleus of academic activities in all academic institutions. Where librarians of these institutions serve a variety of users such as students, faculty, staff and administrators with diverse information needs. Reference Service Reference services also sometimes referred to as 'Reference and Information services' which means personal assistance provided to the users and potential users of information (Bunge, 1999). It is characterized by a high degree of interaction between 618 staff members and individual users or specifically identified group of users or potential users. Providing such personalized information service has remained the main aim of library and information profession. In another definition James Wyer has defined it as 'that part of library administration which deals with the assistance given to readers in their use of resources of the library'. Bunge and Bopp 1. Information services that involve either finding the required information on behalf of the users or assisting users in finding information. 2. Instruction in the use of library resources and services. 3. User guidance in which users are guided in selecting the most appropriate information sources and services. Types of Reference Questions Reference desk is one of the busiest desks of the library, in which users come to satisfy their specific information needs. The questions asked by him or her to get the needed information leads to simple or complex nature of the reference service. Reference Sources These are the publications from which authoritative and authentic information can be obtained. Primarily these sources are divided in three basic categories, as: Primary Sources: These are the original records and include research papers, monographs, patents, standards, trade literature, dissertations and unpublished sources of information. Secondary Sources: These sources are built upon the primary sources which include dictionaries, encyclopedias, bibliographies, indexing periodicals, abstracting periodicals, reviews and surveys. Tertiary Sources: These sources consist of information which is based primary and secondary sources. These include guides to literature, directories, and bibliography of bibliographies. Audio -visual Sources: These are the sources in Non -print form and require special equipment to read or retrieve the information. Audio-cassettes, video cassettes, CD -ROMs and DVDs, etc are the part of these type of resources. Impact of Information Technology Developments in information technologies and advances in telecommunications have revolutionized the worldwide information society. New techniques have facilitated rapid transformation of data, information and knowledge into digital form. As a result, there have been significant changes in the ways in which documents and information are being stored, organized, accessed, retrieved and disseminated. These developments have further resulted in the change of approaches followed by the libraries which now have to be more innovative and user oriented. The libraries are being transformed with the development of their electronic and digital collections. With the development of hybrid and virtual libraries, the librarians have to acquire new skills and competencies. The reference librarian's relationship with its users becomes more important as the needs of the users also getting changed with the technological developments. Libraries are providing full support and training to the users and also facilitating them with authentic information resources using all the available technologies. Information is now being supplied electronically using e-mail, image processing, online databases and e-journals.