Reference Transactions are information consultations in which library staff recommend, interpret, evaluate, and/or use information resources to help others to meet particular information needs. Reference transactions do not include formal instruction or exchanges that provide assistance with locations, schedules, equipment, supplies, or policy statements. (Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association )
Reference work can be done in-person, over the phone, via email, and using Ask-a-Librarian, our 24/7 chat service.