The Spirit of Reference Service

Downs, Robert B.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/1450 Copy

Description

Title

The Spirit of Reference Service

Author(s)

Downs, Robert B.

Issue Date

1957

Keyword(s)

Reference services (Libraries)

Abstract

It is practically a truism that modern library philosophy, especially in America, emphasizes the use of materials rather than their preservation. There is recognition, of course, that rare and valuable books must be given special protection and used under regulations guaranteeing their safety. To apply the same rules to the great mass of current publishing, however, would be a severe handicap to our concepts of library service. Though the point may appear so obvious that it is hardly worth stating, perhaps because we have become thoroughly accustomed to it, this feature of American librarianship is in striking contrast to prevailing practices in many other countries. As a result of our stress on public service, circulation, reference, and research departments are highly developed in nearly all types of libraries. It is revealing to compare this approach with the attitude of, say, most of the Japanese, Mexican, and Turkish librarians, with whom this writer has worked in recent years. Traditionally, these librarians believe that professional librarianship stops with cataloging and classification. They have considered that their job was done when they acquired the books and placed them on the shelves. If anyone wants to use the books, there they are.

Publisher

Graduate School of Library Science. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Series/Report Name or Number

Allerton Park Institute (4th : 1957)

ISSN

0536-4604

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/1450

Copyright and License Information

Copyright owned by Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois 1957.

Owning Collections