Continuity and Innovation in Reference Retrieval in the Social Sciences

Abstract

The computerized Universal Reference System, now inde pendently organized, had its beginnings m the ABS bibliographic reference tools, such as the ABS Guide to Recent Publications in the Social and Behavioral Sciences and "New Studies," which is a regular feature of the ABS. Alfred de Grazia, founder and former editor of the ABS, is Professor of Government at New York University. This article, reviewing the URS and automated reference services in general, is excerpted from his address at the American Library Association Convention in July, 1966.