Abstract: In the modern library service, reference is a core service of library work, which also embodies in the digital reference service of library service. Due to the promotion of modern science and technology information technology, public library's reference service has also achieved a revolutionary change. During recent 20 years, the reference service of public library in new media environment experienced three stages, including asynchronous digital reference, real-time digital reference and cooperative digital reference. At the same time, the cooperative digital reference service system match has also conducted transformation and upgrading. UCDRS, United knowledge navigation site and other service platforms have promoted the development of cooperative digital reference service. However, it faced the status of late start, backward equipment and lack of talents. To develop and innovate the public library’s reference service in the new media environment, it must grasp the work method with the combination of theory and practice to speed up the development of digital reference service. In addition, knowledge management, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other new concepts and technologies should also be introduced into the digital reference research to meet the diverse and personalized needs of users.

Key words: reference service