Findings
The resulting coding scheme included six major themes relating to the current and future state of virtual reference: (1) the convergence of multiple modes of reference, (2) the burgeoning range of information resources, (3) reference as a collaborative process, (4) reference in the library 2.0 mode, (5) the shift from librarian-as-searcher to librarian-as-evaluator, and (6) the possible demise of ready reference. These six themes are explained below with supporting literature from previous studies where applicable.