'Shaking the conceptual foundations,' too: Integrating research and technology support for the next generation of information service

Basic approaches to reference service have not altered in recent decades de spite dramatic changes in user needs, customer service technologies, and tr ansformations in other areas of the library. Rather than add more layers of experimental services that deplete resources and increase complexity, info rmation service should be reconceived to include new partners in support of the use of technology while undertaking substantially new approaches to on -site and network-based information service. By reengineering organizations in ways that bring librarians and technologists together within a common s ervice environment, information service agencies can more effectively meet our users' needs by moving more fully and flexibly into the network as chan ging circumstances warrant.