Digital Commons Network^™

A Mightier Pin: Creating A Credible Reference Library On Pinterest At Murray State University, Rebecca Richardson, Candace Vance, Elizabeth Price, Jeffrey Henry

Candace K. Vance

This case study shows how the reference librarians at Murray State University use Pinterest as an added component in reference services. Statistics were collected in an attempt to monitor the number of items shared with the number of people who actively follow each board. This study will help interested reference librarians gain an understanding of how this social media site can be used to promote online resources, both those owned by the institution and those available freely on the internet. It will also serve as an example of how reference librarians can build a reference library within the confines of …

Muchos Mentores En Iowa: The Pedagogy Of Student To Student Mentoring In Information Literacy, Julia Bauder, Beth Bohstedt, Phillip Jones

Phillip Jones

At Grinnell College we believe that students can be the best teachers and that lasting learning also happens outside of the classroom. The Grinnell College Libraries' peer mentoring program is rooted in these beliefs. Our program has two components: advanced research help provided by reference assistants (RAs) at the reference desk; and basic information service provided by all students working at our public service desks. Throughout this presentation, attendees will be challenged to consider if peer information service is appropriate for their libraries and to articulate initial steps to explore and implement such a service.

A Mightier Pin: Creating A Credible Reference Library On Pinterest At Murray State University, Rebecca Richardson, Candace Vance, Elizabeth Price, Jeffrey Henry

Jeffrey Henry

This case study shows how the reference librarians at Murray State University use Pinterest as an added component in reference services. Statistics were collected in an attempt to monitor the number of items shared with the number of people who actively follow each board. This study will help interested reference librarians gain an understanding of how this social media site can be used to promote online resources, both those owned by the institution and those available freely on the internet. It will also serve as an example of how reference librarians can build a reference library within the confines of …

He Asked Me What!? - Using Shared Online Accounts As Training Tools For Distance Learning Librarians, Kelly Robinson, Anne Marie Casey, Kathleen Citro

Anne Marie Casey

This study explores the idea of creating a knowledge base from shared online accounts to use in training librarians who perform distance reference services. Through a survey, follow-up interviews and a case study, the investigators explored current and potential use of shared online accounts as training tools. This study revealed that the participants viewed the concept positively, but many encountered barriers to effectively employing a local knowledge base as a training tool.

Using Peers To Shed Light On Service Hours For Librarians, Hector Escobar, Heidi Gauder

Hector Escobar

Purpose: Public service hours for many academic librarians have changed within the last decade. As reference statistics have declined, so have job descriptions changed. We often hear terms like outreach, liaison work, embedded librarianship, consulting hours, scheduled appointments. etc., for what used to be normal desk hours. With a changing service model, comes accountability. How do institutions account for these new forms of work and duties that have replaced traditional service desk hours? How does this feed into performance or merit review?

The purpose of this short paper is to shed light on the roles of librarians at medium-sized universities, …

Tracking For Outreach: Using Data For Cross-Unit Purposes, Heidi Gauder, Hector Escobar

Hector Escobar

Purpose: Since creating an information commons a couple years ago, this library’s research team has been coordinating data gathering methods with the writing center. With both units using standard check-in procedures at a shared desk and hosting in-depth consultations in a shared space, it made sense to share technologies. Since Spring 2015, we have logged students for research consultations with software that is commonly used by writing centers, tutoring and other academic support units. We are not only able to count the number of consultations, but we are also able to record cross-referrals with the writing center, calculate average consultation …

Tracking For Outreach: Using Data For Cross-Unit Purposes, Heidi Gauder, Hector Escobar

Heidi Gauder

Purpose: Since creating an information commons a couple years ago, this library’s research team has been coordinating data gathering methods with the writing center. With both units using standard check-in procedures at a shared desk and hosting in-depth consultations in a shared space, it made sense to share technologies. Since Spring 2015, we have logged students for research consultations with software that is commonly used by writing centers, tutoring and other academic support units. We are not only able to count the number of consultations, but we are also able to record cross-referrals with the writing center, calculate average consultation …

Using Peers To Shed Light On Service Hours For Librarians, Hector Escobar, Heidi Gauder

Heidi Gauder

Purpose: Public service hours for many academic librarians have changed within the last decade. As reference statistics have declined, so have job descriptions changed. We often hear terms like outreach, liaison work, embedded librarianship, consulting hours, scheduled appointments. etc., for what used to be normal desk hours. With a changing service model, comes accountability. How do institutions account for these new forms of work and duties that have replaced traditional service desk hours? How does this feed into performance or merit review?

The purpose of this short paper is to shed light on the roles of librarians at medium-sized universities, …

He Asked Me What!? - Using Shared Online Accounts As Training Tools For Distance Learning Librarians, Kelly Robinson, Anne Marie Casey, Kathleen Citro

Kelly M. Singh

This study explores the idea of creating a knowledge base from shared online accounts to use in training librarians who perform distance reference services. Through a survey, follow-up interviews and a case study, the investigators explored current and potential use of shared online accounts as training tools. This study revealed that the participants viewed the concept positively, but many encountered barriers to effectively employing a local knowledge base as a training tool.

He Asked Me What!? - Using Shared Online Accounts As Training Tools For Distance Learning Librarians, Kelly Robinson, Anne Marie Casey, Kathleen Citro

Kelly Robinson

This study explores the idea of creating a knowledge base from shared online accounts to use in training librarians who perform distance reference services. Through a survey, follow-up interviews and a case study, the investigators explored current and potential use of shared online accounts as training tools. This study revealed that the participants viewed the concept positively, but many encountered barriers to effectively employing a local knowledge base as a training tool.

Exploring The Stressors Of New Librarians, Anne Larrivee

Anne Larrivee

This article describes the different stressors and anxieties that can haunt new librarians. It also addresses the various ways that new librarians can cope with location, emotional and work-related stressors. The article is broken into four different categories of stress; some stressors have been more explored than others. The research is based on an extensive review of the literature and the writer’s own experience as a new librarian.

All Work And No Play: New Reference Librarians And Stress, Anne Larrivee

Anne Larrivee

Poster presented on the stresses of new reference librarians.

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.

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

Rick A Stoddart

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 …

Hagerty Library Collection Development Internship, James Gross

James Gross

Collection Development Internship at the Drexel University, Hagerty Library. Summary of several collection management projects. Heavy usage of excel for data extraction. Screenshots used for visual aid.

Chat Reference: To Schedule Or Not To Schedule?, Michael Mungin

Michael Mungin

Students in distance programs often have no way of visiting the physical reference desk to seek assistance from and engage in a reference interview with a librarian. Lack of access to this crucial research resource presents a major challenge to distance education. Luckily, chat reference services, available through various products and software, are becoming an increasingly common service offered by libraries. This technology allows the students and librarians to work together in real time to achieve the back and forth dialogue required in reference interviews. Unfortunately, the literature on creating and providing a chat reference service does not delve deeply …

Photomicrographs, The Npr 100, And Student Teaching: Library Liaison Ideas That Really Work, Katherine Furlong, Janelle L. Wertzberger

Janelle Wertzberger

In 1997, Gettysburg College's Musselman Library revived a dormant liaison program. Librarians were assigned to each department and program on campus and expected to serve as the first point of library contact for the teaching faculty. Some core communications and activities emerged that we now encourage every liaison to practice; attending department meetings, sending reviews of new materials, tracking faculty book orders, and visiting faculty offices are seen as standard liaison activities. We were delighted to find that almost every librarian had some unique and interesting experiences to report. The authors collected these experiences so that they could be shared …

Cloud Based Storage: A Brief Look At Dropbox, James Gross

James Gross

Brief review of dropbox, a cloud based service for digital file storage.

Virtual Reference And In-Depth Assistance Using Shared Workspaces, David Stern

David Stern

The article describes the use of shared workspace to manipulate multiple media materials and demonstrate more sophisticated search methods that facilitate mastery of more advanced tools and techniques. It cites the availability of free reliable cross-platform options with tools that enhance remote reference services via interactive media. It indicates that shared workspace collaboration tools that enhance interaction options help alleviate the frustrations of librarians and researchers alike.

Regarding Reference In An Academic Library: Does The Desk Make A Difference?, Patricia Bravender, Hazel Mcclure

Patricia Bravender

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 …

A Report By The Rr2 Taskforce, Megan Sheffield, Zoraya Betancourt, Carol Ann Borchert, Barbara Lewis, Susan Silver, Dennis J. Smith, Drew Smith

Megan Sheffield

This is the collaborative work of the Re-envisioning Reference 2 committee that focused on the delivery of reference services and the possible move to a single service point at the USF Tampa Library.

A Report By The Rr2 Taskforce, Dennis J. Smith, Megan Sheffield, Zoraya Betancourt, Carol Ann Borchert, Barbara Lewis, Susan Silver, Drew Smith

Dennis J Smith

This is the collaborative work of the Re-envisioning Reference 2 committee that focused on the delivery of reference services and the possible move to a single service point at the USF Tampa Library.

Review Of Agriculture In History, 3 Volumes (R. Kent Rasmussen, Proj. Ed.; Salem Press, 2009), Sue Ann Gardner

Sue E. Gardner

Review of Agriculture in History, 3 volumes (R. Kent Rasmussen, proj. ed.; Salem Press, 2009).

Making Decisions: Using Electronic Data Collection To Re-Envision Reference Services At The Usf Tampa Libraries, Lily Todorinova, Barbara Lewis, Andy Huse, Matt Torrence

Lily Todorinova

Declining reference statistics, diminishing human resources, and the desire to be more proactive and embedded in academic depart- ments, prompted the University of South Florida Library to create a taskforce for re-envisioning reference services. The taskforce was charged with examining the staffing patterns at the desk and developing recommendations to give librarians greater flexibility and to better respond to the information-seeking needs of users. These recommendations were based on statistics of desk usage, collected with the newly adapted online tool Desk Tracker, and structured interviews with library administrators. The taskforce was interested in how these stakeholders use quantitative data in …

Students, Faculty, And The Library: Research At The University Of South Florida, Susan Silver, Matt Torrence, Barbara Lewis, Drew Smith

Matt Torrence

This study will assess various aspects of library services and resources from the user perspective, utilizing a number of methodologies, including surveys, usability testing, observation, and focus groups. In-depth examination of how students and faculty use the library will guide our efforts to improve library services and resources and facility that relate to student success.

Library Stats As An Assessment Tool, Maira Bundza

Maira Bundza

Western Michigan University has been working on creating a culture of assessment for ten years. The libraries have been using LibQUAL, a user satisfaction survey, since 2004, but have been gathering other statistics and assessment data over these same years. It is time to put it all together into an assessment plan.

Library Stats is an open source tool for maintaining reference statistics. It provides the opportunity to keep rich statistics on each reference transaction, including the actual question and answer. WMU implemented the use of Library Stats across all reference areas in 2009 and has already used the data …