The predicament of anthropology: Providing reference support in a fragmented discipline

The discipline of anthropology presents librarians with a unique set of problems because of its ambiguous position within the intellectual structure of the university. Although anthropology has traditionally been categorized as a social science, this dynamic field of inquiry draws on diverse and disparate sources, referencing and contributing to both the humanities and the physical sciences. Anthropologists' conceptions about the identity and boundaries of their discipline have fluctuated dramatically since its inception in the Eighteenth Century. This article traces the shifting conceptions of anthropology and investigates how librarians have historically responded to the needs of scholars conducting research in this discipline. The response of librarians to recent intellectual movements and developments, including the emergence of cultural studies, and advanced communication technology are also reviewed. Current and future trends for providing reference services in this broad field of human inquiry are discussed, including the call for a renewed partnership between anthropologists and information specialists