Editorial: Start the conversation: impactful reading on reference and instruction

Citation

Johns, E.M. and Watstein, S.B. (2023), "Editorial: Start the conversation: impactful reading on reference and instruction", Reference Services Review, Vol. 51 No. 3/4, pp. 249-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-11-2023-118

Focusing on higher education and academic libraries, it can be challenging to see – let alone keep up with, what is trending where. Reference Services Review's co-editors and editorial team recognize the importance for our readers to stay abreast of trending topics in reference and library user services in a digital age. Our special issues provide a platform for foregrounding what is happening now. Examples of recent special issues include: The Future of Peer-Led Research Services: Trending Now or Still Trending? (51.2, 2023) and Anti-Racist Action in Libraries (50.1, 2022). In our next issue, we are pleased to present Inclusive Pedagogies and Services (52:4, 2023). Our regular issues cover a wide range of topics that we hope our readers use to spark new ideas, refine current practices and rethink old habits as they engage in conversations surrounding reference and instruction trends.

In this issue, several authors cut through the noise to help readers focus on trends that have caught their attention. Beene draws our attention to library workers on the front lines and specifically addressing information disorder and conspiracy theories in the United States.

Saunders et al.’s focus is on current trends and future implications in reference in urban public libraries. Readers interested in the relevance of the reference desk, impacts of the pandemic, and shifts in the design and delivery of reference services will find these results useful for benchmarking against their own experiences and for planning for future changes.

Readers who have planned, organized and hosted a workshop will find much that resonates in Stumpff and Craven's consideration of implementing change and enhancing this service based on an analysis of registration data trends. There is no shortage of literature on establishing and maintaining online reference services. Vladoiu et al. studied reference services from a different angle, exploring evidence of gender or racial bias in email reference services in public and academic libraries. They offer a method that libraries can adapt to analyze their own reference services for possible racial bias.

Not sure how to see what was trending in library instruction and information literacy in 2022? Do not worry. It is actually a lot easier than you would think. The centerpiece of the issue is “Library Instruction and Information Literacy 2022” (Caffrey et al.) – the annotated bibliography that remains one of the most heavily downloaded manuscripts year after year. The authors argue for the need to continue to compile and analyze this body of literature each year to support ongoing discussions in information literacy, research and teaching. Highlighting notable works on theories such as critical pedagogy, the compilers organize information into meaningful navigable categories for readers and provide a thorough explanation of their methodology and approach to identifying sources. The bibliography can continue to be a conversation piece, a teaching tool and an invaluable resource to researchers.

Start the conversation around the trends explored in this issue, and those that defined library instruction and information literacy in 2022 in your library, identify what to look out for and go out in your campus communities and make an impact!