Reference Services

1. MUSEUM LIBRARY REFERENCE SERVICES: IMPRESSIONS AND
INFERENCES
BY ALEXANDRA FRIEDMAN

2. SPECIAL LIBRARIES
• A special library is an institution that provides information to a defined group of
users and adheres to the mission and goals of the parent organization
(Semertzaki, 2011).
• What are some examples of special libraries?
• Different audiences means different service needs.

3. PHILOSOPHY OF REFERENCE SERVICES
• Instructing the public on research skills and tools.
• Presenting independent findings to researchers.
• Fundamental purpose to increase knowledge for everyone.

4. REFERENCE SERVICES FOR PUBLIC
• Virtual and in-person interviews
• Collection assistance
• Research skill building
• Database instruction

5. SERVICES RESERVED FOR STAFF
• Research consultations
• Literature reviews
• ILL
• Print reference materials

6. REFERENCE COLLECTION
• Encyclopedias
• Dictionaries
• Weed outdated materials

7. DATABASES AND INTERNET SOURCES
• Extensive collection of online databases.
• Online catalog outdated.
• WorldCat, JSTOR, Web of Science, Hathitrust commonly used.
• Library website FAQ
• If all else fails, use Google!

8. CHALLENGES OF THE MUSEUM LIBRARY
• Understaffing
• Excess duties and responsibilities.
• Digitization demand.

9. REFERENCES
• Semertzaki, E. (2011). Special libraries as knowledge management centres.
Chandos Pub.