Reference services are in the midst of evolutionary changes. At a time when budgets are shrinking, traditional models of service and print reference formats are being questioned. This article discusses future directions of academic reference collections in terms of the apparent shift from print to electronic reference sources. Questions addressed include the traditional model of reference service and how it applies to new reference formats, the extent librarians should integrate electronic resources into current collections, new technologies to assist libraries with integration, and the role of the library catalog. The author believes that although libraries need to address future technologies in order to survive as viable information providers, the core principles of the field need to play a dominant role. (Contains 14 online resources.)