Ready Reference via the Internet.

Abstract

As Internet resources have become increasingly available, reference librarians have begun using the Internet in pro viding ready reference services to their clients. There are many benefits in using Internet resources in ready refer ence. There are also some real costs involved. Use of the Internet is likely to have implications for the nature of ready reference itself. While the authors enthusiastically encourage greater use of the Internet for ready reference, limitations are identified and reference policy and cost is sues are discussed.