Repositioning Reference - by Laura Saunders & Lillian Rozaklis & Eileen G Abels (Paperback)

About the Book

Repositioning Reference reimagines reference services in libraries and information organizations and the role of reference librarians, taking into account rapid developments in technology and information-specific services in non-library sectors.

Book Synopsis

Repositioning Reference reimagines reference services in libraries and information organizations and the role of reference librarians, taking into account rapid developments in technology and information-specific services in non-library sectors.

Review Quotes

In Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age, co-authors Laura Saunders, Lillian Rozaklis, and Eileen G. Abels respond to concerns about the future of reference services, given changes in technology and user behavior. In three well-documented chapters they explore the evolution of reference services, new services introduced in response to competitive pressures, and needed competencies and philosophies of service to accomplish a paradigm shift in reference services. This is followed by chapters highlighting specific examples of innovative services, the use of environmental scanning to identify opportunities for innovation, and models for change management and change leadership. The book will be a valuable resource for practitioners, educators, and students seeking to shape the future of reference services.


There have been many books published in the last few years aimed at those who are rethinking, reimagining, rebooting, and now repositioning reference service. These books all take the approach that reference service needs to be redesigned if it is to survive as a service in modern libraries. This version is somewhat different than the rest of the pack. Rather than consisting of a collection of articles from a range of contributors, this work is the product of three educators at Simmons College. These authors take a research-based approach and include extensive references from the literature to support their ideas. Topics covered include the evolution of reference service, competitive pressures facing the field, implications for change, entrepreneurship, and leading and managing change. This slim volume will be very helpful for any librarians seeking ideas and methods for evolving their existing reference services.

This well-referenced, clearly written, concise book by two library faculty from Simmons College and an independent library consult does an excellent job explaining the changes impacting reference services and reference librarians.... This book is recommended reading for reference librarians, and library administrators in all types of libraries. It is also a helpful reference for LIS faculty and their students.

This well-researched and wise book is essential reading for library and information studies faculty and students, current reference librarians, and administrators of academic, public, and special libraries.

About the Author

Laura Saunders is an assistant professor at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, where she teaches in the areas of user instruction, reference, intellectual freedom, and academic libraries. Her research interests include information literacy, assessment, and social justice aspects of information access and literacy.

Lillian Rozaklis is an independent consultant in user research, learning analytics, and information services, with prior roles as a reference librarian in public libraries and as a research analyst in higher education. She received her Ph.D. in Information Studies from Drexel University's College of Information Science and Technology and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.

Eileen G. Abels is dean and professor at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Her primary teaching areas are reference, business information, and special libraries. Her research interests include information access, the future of libraries, and the future of library and information science education.