Archival Reference

Abstract

The decade that has passed since the last time The Reference Librarian looked at archival reference has seen many changes for the archival profession. While the techniques and procedures of reference service have not changed dramatically, a certain level of standardization has been reached. Access and outreach remain their traditional ties to reference; as archivists have become less willing to accept access restrictions, recent copyright decisions have tended towards limiting the use of archival material. Research in reference, in users and in use has increased, although not as much as some would prefer; it has also been affected by debate over the archival mission. The increasing pace of automation has provided new delivery mechanisms and opportunities for access and outreach while at the same time it has called into question some of the basic tenets of the archival profession. New approaches have been proposed for reference in the digital environment.