Incredibly shrinking print reference collection @MadisonPL

 

Years ago, Retiring Guy used to teach workshops on developing and evaluating print reference collections in small public libraries.

May 17, 2018

Photos by Retiring Guy

January 30, 2025

Yes indeed!  (From 16 years ago.)

 

Related posts:

2015

Reference collection close-up at the Central Library of the Madison Public Library.  (6/1)

Short Story Index, still published annually in a vinyl bound single volume.  (5/25)
1990s print reference collection: Index table with Thomas Register and Reader's Guide.  (3/28)

2014
Will a change in the definition of reference transaction have any impact on these declining numbers?  (12/30)

I remember when you could use a panoramic lens to take photos of a library's reference collection.  (12/1)
Most libraries have probably turned the page to the last chapter of phone books.  (11/13)

2012

The Quality of Wisconsin Public Library Reference Collections (1960).  (2/21)

2010

Telephone White Pages Becoming a Thing of the Past.  (11/12)

No Bar for 'Library Reference Collection'?  (6/23)

Today's letter writers most in need of a library reference desk.  (4/7)

2009

Why Library Reference Collections are Shrinking.  (6/25)

Sam Wood, the Answer Man.  (4/7)

The More Things Change.  (1/3)