In these modern times, library reference services are taking advantage of new technologies to go to patrons rather than vice versa, as before. The term "roving reference" has been applied not only to reference librarians "roving" the aisles looking for patrons in need of their service but also to new modes of service that bring a librarian to you in while you are in your home. The trend is indicative of how much of a service industry library reference really is and how it is keeping up with the faster paced world of information at one's fingertips.
The face of reference is expanding to a digital one with email, chat, and text message services. What is truly interesting, however, is how much the personal of touch of interacting with a human being has not faded or disappeared and may be even more valued because of the new modes available. You may be getting your reference advice from a librarian across the globe in an online chat, but you still want to read "hello" and "is there anything I else I can do for you?" From the librarian's perspective it is still a human exchange, as well.
In reference work, all questions are valid and that includes online ones. It is refreshing to see that this principle continues to be the case no matter what mode the question is posed in and it speaks to the caliber of people who do reference work.
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