What is the future of the reference librarian? Looking to Bourdieu for answers

Abstract

Because a concern was raised over the sustainability of reference librarianship, causing alarm on a professional online forum, this essay explores the assertion that reference services are no longer an essential part of library service. General observations of reference desk and nonprofessional information desk services are analyzed using Pierre Bourdieu’s (1993) concepts of field, habitus, and power. Additional discussion of LIS literature also reveals why fear over reference sustainability exists. Conclusions suggest that power of the reference librarian may be inadvertently directed toward nonprofessional agents, and reference professionals must recognize their opportunities in today’s information environment if they wish to maintain and build positions in their field.