While Google Answer may be gone, it’s interesting to note the number of reference and instruction librarians setting up shop in student unions, academic buildings on campus — taking their skills out to where users are. Some directors are talking about closing reference desks. There seems to be much thinking about effectively tying library resources into Blackboard and other course management systems. I even heard about one initiative where the library aligned itself with other “information providers” on campus, including Health Services, Bursar, etc.

So while metasearching may be a red herring, the idea of the “separateness” of the reference desk — or even the library itself–may be diminishing — in favor of the library “embedded” in the teaching and learning mission?