ABSTRACT
In the past few years, the MIT Libraries has been focused on how to turn declining reference statistics, new modes of technology, users' increasing needs and expectations, and constrained staff resources into a robust and valued reference service. A two-year experiment based on chat technology raised questions about future reference service. This article describes how library staff worked together to envision a future of reference at MIT that would incorporate the values of reference, needs of the users, and infrastructure of the Libraries. The final product was the Reference Vision, which now guides all of our new reference services. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@hawoithpress.eom> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com> © 2004 by The Haworth Press. Inc. All rights reserved.]
