Regarding Reference in an Academic Library.
Saved in:
| Title: | Regarding Reference in an Academic Library. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | McClure, Hazel1 mcclureh@gvsu.edu, Bravender, Patricia2 bravendp@gvsu.edu |
| Source: | Reference & User Services Quarterly. Summer2013, Vol. 52 Issue 4, p302-308. 7p. 5 Charts. |
| Subjects: | Reference services in academic libraries, Academic library use studies, Reference librarians, Academic library administration, Grand Valley State University |
| Abstract: | Some academic libraries are consolidating their circulation and reference desks into single service points. The librarians at one academic library undertook a study to determine if such a consolidation would affect their reference service. They analyzed the number and type of questions asked during times when a librarian was physically present at the reference desk and compared it to the number and type of questions asked when a librarian was "on call" (not present at the desk, but available to be called to the service desk to answer reference questions) over a period of seven academic semesters. This article reports on the methodology used to collect and analyze the data and the researchers' findings. The results show that true reference questions remained steady whether or not the reference desk was staffed. The implications are important at a time when libraries are moving to single service desks staffed by nonlibrarians and are unsure of the efficacy of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Reference & User Services Quarterly is the property of American Library Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Engineering Source |
Be the first to leave a comment!
