I've got a few names I put down as references, but I haven't talked to any of them in years. When a job asks for them, I send the list and then just cross my fingers. I have no idea what my old boss actually remembers about me, and I'm always a little afraid to find out.
More people experience this than they realize.
You have references, but you never stay in touch or prep them, so you don't know what they'll say.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.