The idea of a "roving reference librarian" is somewhat disturbing to me. This concept was promoted by an article I read for class today ("Alternative Strategies for Promoting Information Literacy" by Jeanne Galvin, Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(4), p. 352-357.).

The idea is to be available where students need help without requiring them to come to the reference desk. But what it amounts to is a librarian roaming around in the reference area, essentially looking over students' shoulders as they use wireless Internet access and print resources.

I feel like it turns librarians into spies, or at least makes them look as if they are suspiciously watching students for moments to reprimand bad behavior or wrong use of resources. As a student, roving librarians would make me nervous and not want to study at the library or even use library print resources.

I don't think that's what we want to accomplish. For our own job security, we should be begging students to come into the physical building.

All that said, I will not become a roving librarian when I get a real job. I'll stay at my desk, thank you very much.