Re-envisioning Reference as Outreach Promoting Reference Services in the Wake of the Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed theological education and reference services. Today a growing number of students are studying and accessing the library remotely, and some libraries have found their reference numbers declining. Does reference still matter? If so, how best can we promote reference services to students who may never see us at the reference desk? Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been excellent studies on theological libraries’ services for distance learners, but there have been few studies on reference services in particular. Studies on the promotion of reference services in academic librarianship predate the pandemic, and further research is needed on how theological libraries can promote reference services in the wake of the pandemic. This study addresses that gap by exploring how we can re-envision reference as outreach to better reach students today. It looks at the vital nature of reference services in supporting academic success, equity, wellness, and connection and examines current challenges to reference services and to reaching students. Finally, it looks at innovative strategies for promoting reference services in the wake of the pandemic through partnerships, Personal Librarian programs, communications, instruction, events, and engaging services. I argue that reference is vital today and that we need to be proactive in promoting it.