ABSTRACT

The school library as a learning center has an important role in reference service for students working on their assignments. However, various gadgets, the emergence of the Internet and popular search engines, and online encyclopedias drive students to search information from cyberspace therefore abandoning the library reference service. Nevertheless, the richness of information resources from the Internet has counterproductive effects on students’ ability to construct and articulate information based on their understanding. This study analyses how reference service transformation is beneficial for the students’ learning process at school. It uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interview and non-participant observation to examine the school library at Surya International School Jakarta (SISJ). Findings from this study show that students would rather search information online from their own gadgets than go to the library to work on their assignments. Thus, the school library is required to transform its reference service from conventional to virtual-based with the newest ICT commonly used by students. Chat To Librarian, which is a gadget-based reference service, can be an alternative solution for students. This paper is expected to provide a new perspective on school library reference services in a digital era.