Change and Continuity (Rip Van Winkle's Reference Office)

Abstract

How much has reference work changed because of new technology? The answer is either: a tremendous amount or hardly at all. It depends on whether you focus on tools (Westlaw, Lexis, the Internet, books) or on the mission (helping researchers find what they need). This essay reflects on changes in the last twenty years.

Keywords: reference, law librarianship, law libraries, technology, research