Integrating Electronic Information Systems into the Reference Services Budget

This paper describes the Automated Reference Center, a new unit within the Reference Department of the Bailey/Howe Memorial Library. It analyzes initial start-up and ongoing costs; and it compares the average per search cost of end-user optical disc databases, end-user on-line services, and mediated searches. It reviews costs associated with end-user training and changes in support required for traditional services such as reference service, interlibrary loan, and microforms, due to increased demand emanating from end-user database searching.