Envisioning Reference at MIT

Abstract

. In the past few years, the MIT Libraries has been focused on how to turn declining reference statistics, new modes of technology, users’ increasing needs and expectations, and constrained staff resources into a robust and valued reference service. A 5-year strategic plan written in 1999 spurred staff to develop a new service based on chat technology, but once the service was established, it was unclear how it fit into the future of reference at MIT. This article describes how library staff worked together to envision a future of reference at MIT that would incorporate the values of reference, the needs of the users, and the infrastructure of the Libraries. The final product was the Reference Vision, which now guides all of our new reference services.