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sThis paper is the result of the research on reading, membership, and library visits in order to encourage reading and increase the number of library users. The statistics are harsh and facts cannot be ignored. There are no excuses. In order to reach the unreached users, we have conducted a research the results of which provided guidelines for improvement of library management. We have designed several projects, two of which have already been implemented: You can loan every book, play the game in our nook and Baby library − Biblio-boy and Biblio-girl. The results of these projects are already visible and measurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the contemporary meaning of the term reference work in libraries. The purpose of reference work in libraries is to assist users in finding information contained in a variety of sources, and enable efficient use of available library resources. Although the scope and level of complexity of reference work varies in international frameworks, it is possible to identify its three essential functions - informative, advisory and instructive. Domination of one of these approaches in the reference service in contemporary librarianship generally depends on the type of a specific library and its tasks. Reference librarians are members of public services in libraries, engaged in providing reference services that range from providing factual and bibliographic information, through advising students and researchers in the realization of various projects and giving instructions on library programs, to the active participation and assistance in the process of scientific research performed by library users. Although the organized provision of reference services differs both in different countries, and in various types of libraries and particular institutions, there is a general opinion that the work of reference librarians contributes greatly to the users' satisfaction with the library services. Summing up the definitions and theoretical considerations of reference work created in different periods, this paper attempts to show the continuity of the same main idea of reference work. The paper is based on the widest concept of the reference work, describes its components and outlines the main requirements of the contemporary reference service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]