Much has been said about the technological dimensions of the largely digital library of the future, but little has been said about the service values librarians must advance to make this environment work effectively for all of the library's users. Libraries must retain the timeless service values of equity of access, personal service, and services tailored to the needs of individuals while exploring new values such as integrating technologies, maintaining holistic computing environments, delivering core services through the network, making technology work for all, and collaborating across administrative lines.
Basic approaches to reference service have not altered in recent decades despite dramatic changes in user needs, customer service technologies, and transformations in other areas of the library. Rather than add more layers of experimental services that deplete resources and increase com plexity, information service should be reconceived to include new partners in support of the use of technology while undertaking substantially new approaches to on-site and network-based information service. By reengineering organizations in ways that bring librarians and technolo gists together within a common service environment, information service agencies can more effectively meet our users' needs by moving more fully and flexibly into the network as changing circumstances warrant.ight years ago, Jerry D. Campbell wrote a controver sial article that was among the first of a wave of publications, listserv discussions, professional meet ings, and "rethinking" institutes on the future of reference service.
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