Reference Classification— Is It Time to Make Some Changes?

In 2005, the authors tested the consistency and ease of use of a skill and strategy–based reference question classification system published by Warner in 2001. Results of that test indicated that the Warner system was a significant improvement over the traditional resource-based system. In this study, reference librarians from other institutions were invited to compare the technology-sensitive Warner system to the traditional Katz classification system. The results of this larger test mirror the findings of the original study. Overall, classification was more consistent using the Warner system.