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Discussion of digital reference services and the use of real-time versus asynchronous services such as email focuses on data from the AskERIC digital reference service to demonstrate that asynchronous services are not only useful but may have greater utility than real-time systems. (Author/LRW)

Identifies a working set of standards by which to assess individual digital reference services (Internet-based human-mediated information services) and to define membership within a collaborative network of digital reference services. The standards are designed for the Virtual Reference Desk AskA Consortium. (Author/LRW)

Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12 AskA software and other efforts that benefit libraries. (AEF)

Lesson Learned from K-12 Digital Reference Services The Internet has brought libraries to a crossroads. The nature of collection, service, and information organization is changing rapidly. There is considerable anxiety [...]

This article presents the Digital Reference Research agenda developed as a result of a three-day symposium at Harvard University. It shows how the research agenda ties directly to digital reference and library practice and argues that research and practice must connect on a meaningful level in order to prevent unusable research and untestable practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outlines some of the ideas on how reference and users services will function in digital environment as its relates to K-12 digital reference service. Discussion on the K-12 digital reference service; Impact of the Internet on reference service; Advent of digital libraries; Changing roles of reference librarians.