This examination of the philosophy and objectives of academic library reference services provides an overview of the major reference approaches to fulfilling the following primary objectives of reference services: (1) providing accurate answers to patrons' questions and/or helping patrons find sources to pursue their research needs; (2) building and maintaining a collection to accomplish the preceding objective; and (3) teaching effective research strategies and effective use of the library's collection. The philosophy and objectives of academic reference services are discussed; the user community is described; and approaches are considered for the organization and staffing of the reference department, teaching of library use, online access to information, communications and relations with other library departments, and evaluation and planning. Finally, a discussion of current themes and future trends considers problems of staffing and service effectiveness, the effects of microcomputers, the relationship between libraries and computer centers, the impact of compact disc technology, the concept of a "one-stop shopping center" for information, and the idea of librarians as database managers and/or information specialists. It is concluded that this is an explosive, expensive, and exciting time for reference services, with many difficult choices to be made. An extensive list of references is provided. (KM)