Let me reply to Jan's comments about "library-type" research questions. I am a
reference librarian and enjoy answering such questions.
 
Many people are unaware of the wonderful resources that even their local
public library holds. After doing a careful reference interview with many of
the people on the Net who are asking these types of questions, I often find
that they have checked the library but haven't asked their reference librarian
for help. [We don't bite! ;) ]
   Another aspect is that many people that I have helped with their questions
are in isolated areas of the country/world who have limited access to large
research collections. I often use many different databases and
indexes/abstracts in running down a question, including OCLC and a variety of
CD-ROM products. I also have an extensive personal library which has many
out-of-print items.
   To summarize; sure, sometimes you wonder about the questions that come up
on the Net. But, I have to admit, it is such fun to be able to answer them and
see the surprise reflected by the patron. I think that one of the hardest
questions I've dealt with was a stamp collector asking for the exchange rate
of the German mark to the US dollar on a certain day in 1929. (And, yes, I
found the answer, although that particular date turned out to be a Sunday!)
 
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ  85287-1006
PHONE: (602) 965-4579              FAX: (602) 965-9169
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