Digital Commons Network^™

Overachievers, Procrastinators, And Failed Googling: Exploring Why Students Ask Librarians For Assistance, Jaimie Beth Colvin, Marc Vinyard, Colleen Mullally

Marc Vinyard

Overachievers, Procrastinators, And Failed Googling: Exploring Why Students Ask Librarians For Assistance, Jaimie Beth Colvin, Marc Vinyard, Colleen Mullally

Jaimie Beth Colvin

First Impressions And The Reference Encounter: The Influence Of Affect And Clothing On Librarian Approachability, Jennifer Bonnet, Ben Mcalexander

Jen Bonnet

Whether or not a librarian appears approachable in public service environments is critical to providing excellent service, conveying a welcoming space, and encouraging library users to engage with one of the key intellectual venues on our campuses. This study used an image-rating method to assess the influence of affect and attire on patron impressions of librarian approachability. Findings suggest that librarian behaviors do matter, with specific treatments resulting in increased or decreased perceptions of approachability. These findings not only support common sense assessments that an attentive and welcoming environment is essential to encouraging patrons to engage with librarians; they also …

Desk Statistics Under A Microscope = Improved Library Services, Susan [Gardner] Archambault

Susan Gardner Archambault

This presentation offers a case study of how one library’s assessment of datagathered from its public service desk led to changes and improvements in service. The William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) recorded all of the questions and answers asked at its Information Desk from Fall 2009 to the present using the Gimlet (http://gimlet.us) electronic question tracking system. A content analysis was performed on the data that led to advancements in signage and a new knowledge base of FAQ’s. In addition, new services were implemented related to technology and research that addressed user needs.

Using Gimlet Desk Statistics To Improve Library Services (Nellco), Susan Archambault

Susan Gardner Archambault

*What is Gimlet and how does it work? *Case study of how we use Gimlet at LMU *How can you perform content analysis on your Gimlet data? *Examples of resulting changes/advancements based on user needs at LMU

Assessing The Strategic Credibility Of Academic Library Circulation And Reference Departments, Rick A. Stoddart, Kathleen Chambers

Rick A Stoddart

Assessing Integration Of Library Services Into Course Management Systems: Where We Stand Now, Matt Torrence, Beth West, Lindsay Johnston

Matt Torrence

Our panel of presenters will engage the audience in a group discussion of best practices for implementing and assessing a robust library presence in the CMS environment. The attendees will benefit from an exploration of the challenges and advantages of integrating library services into university-wide systems and platforms. The session will focus on metrics of assessing the effectiveness of the library services in the CMS, including student participation, grades, GPA, and others. We will also invite interested parties to join our online community of practice, where we continue these important conversations.

Talking Chat: The Good, The Bad, And The “What Were We Thinking?”!, Jessica Cerny, Matt Torrence

Matt Torrence

The RUSA MARS: Virtual Reference Discussion Group will be holding a forum on January 31st, 2015 from 4:30-5:30 pm in McCormick Place West w474a. The forum topics will be focused on online chat services and known issues, characteristics of successful and unsuccessful implementations, and more. Panelists will share their experiences with online chat services and participates will have an opportunity to ask questions. If you are considering implementing online chat services in your library or you would like to learn more about what has worked and not worked for other libraries, this is an opportunity to gain insight on how …

Health Disclaimers And Website Credibility Markers: Guidance For Consumer Health Reference In The Affordable Care Act Era, Deborah H. Charbonneau

Deborah H. Charbonneau

This article reports on the current state of health disclaimers, online health resources, and credibility markers provided on public library websites (N = 105) for those seeking health information. In light of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), these findings have implications for consumer health reference services in public libraries. Approximately half of the public library websites in the study sample (n = 52, 49.5%) referred users to the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace website (HealthCare.gov). When referring to online consumer health resources, a small number of public library websites identified the authors of online health content (n = 16, 15.2%) or …