Digital Reference Overload

Abstract

ABSTRACT We live in a society that deals with information overload in a 24/7 environment. If information overload is defined as receiving too much information, reference overload may be considered the opposite, wherein the library inadvertently offers too many relevant resources to its users. In the digital realm, the reference librarian's responsibility is to provide transparent, seamless access to the library's resources without overpowering the user with too many options. Suggestions and options for dealing with digital reference overload are discussed.