Page 35 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Information Sources and Services

Notes 2.3.2 Long Range Reference Service

Long range reference service owes its origin to the modern concept of library service in libraries.
Its provision varies from library to library and is a special feature of special libraries. However,
it is not totally absent in other types of libraries. Long range reference service may be recognized
on the basis of time involved, sources of information and the nature of information sought. Such
services involve three processes – preparation, service and assimilation.

2.3.3 Difference between Ready Reference and Long Range Reference
Service

The general difference between Ready reference and long range reference services are being
highlighted below.

Ready Reference Service Long Range Reference Service
Time taken is short (may be Time taken is more as compared to ready reference query (A
between few minutes to half few questions may take less than half an hour while some
an hour) may take a whole day or even weeks).
For Ready reference query Here search may start with general reference sources, but in
sources of information case the required information is not fetched from these
includes general reference sources, then search may be directed to resources of other
sources such as dictionaries. local libraries or to libraries in other parts of the country. In
Encyclopaedias, maps, nutshell, the aim here is to exploit all possible resources of
atlases and the like. information.
Major concern here is to Besides facts other types of information such as: exposition
provide facts. of a problem from a particular point of view; undertake
systematic search in periodicals; may involve expression of
an opinion or a point of view on a particular idea, etc. In
brief the required information may need to be culled out
after exploiting various sources or means.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
5. …………………………………….. is reference service finished in a very short time in a
moment if possible.
6. …………………………………………… is to be considered an important aspect of ready
reference service. It is the process of absorption of information.

7. ………………………………………. owes its origin to the modern concept of library service
in libraries.
8. Such services involve three processes …………………….., …………………….. and
……………………..

2.4 Reference Service in Different Types of Libraries

2.4.1 Public Library

A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and is generally funded from
public sources (such as taxes) and operated by civil servants. There are five fundamental

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