Abstract

 21^st Century is embracedas information age where information as a resource is valuedabove otherproductive resources. It is the age the old adage "information in power seem to make its most meaning. ” The library/librarian relevance in any society is on information source/resources provision and information service delivery to information seekers. In the 21s' century this important services are rendered in print as well as electronic to both near and distant information seekers hence the terminology library without walls. The reference librarian is at the fore in rendering this offline and online information services making sure that information seekers need is met and by implication satisfied. This discussion is therefore handled under the following sub headings: Introduction; Reference Librarian as Leader and Mentor, Reference Librarian as a Teacher; Characteristics that make quality reference librarian presented as: curiosity; Optimism and Enthusiasm; Flexibility andCreativity; Courage; Ability to Communicate; Ability to Market library Resources and Services; Ability to Be a Team Player; Confidence and Sense ofHumour and Technological Competence; Reference Librarian in Assessment/Evaluation. The paper concludes thus: The reference librarian has the opportunity to actively engage and helpfacilitate both the immediate and lifelong learning oflibrary users. I47hile technological advances allow easier and quicker access to information, they also save to heighten the important role oflibrarians as educators. The issue offinding enough information has turned into an issue of sifting through too much information in order to find the most relevant while learning what resources are appropriatefor which kinds ofinformation as well as how to access the needed information. The 21s' century reference librarian is the intermediary between the library user and the information resources.