reference librarian
Information desk expert
A reference librarian is a librarian who specializes in helping patrons find information—answering questions, guiding research, and navigating databases and archives.
Distinguished from librarians who focus on cataloging or acquisitions, reference librarians work directly with the public: Ask the reference librarian where to find census records.
The role has evolved from print expertise to include digital resources and information literacy instruction.
- card catalogIndexed library reference collection
- indexerOne who compiles references
- bibliographerCompiler of book records
- archivistKeeper of historical documents
- abstractorOne who condenses documents
database administrator · data miner · web developer · information desk · book recommendation · research question · interlibrary loan · research assistant · information literacy · stacks · quiet study · special collections
- librarieslibrarians, circulation desk, stacks, card catalogs, checkout
- library servicesyouth services, bookmobiles, librarians, adult literacy, checkout
- book professionalsbook dealer, bookseller, rare book dealer, book binder, book buyer
- library careersarchivist, cataloger, bibliographer, branch manager, shelver
reference librariandisinformation agent
One who spreads falsehoods deliberately
propagandist · misinformer · charlatan · snake oil salesman · know-nothing
reference, librarian, refer, referent, referential, referred, referring, refers, referee