Reference service at IC/LC

Elizabeth B. Fitzpatrick, Anne C. Moore, Beth W. Lang, “Reference librarians at the reference desk in a learning commons: a mixed methods evaluation,” The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 34, 3 (May 08): p.231-8.

The LC at U. of Massachusetts Amherst changed the service model from a tiered one to separated “Reference” + “LC and Tech support”. Surveys (users and librarians) and focus group study found that most users preferred “face-to-face” reference interaction, most questions at Ref. are research types, users generally know that’s where to get research help. Librarians worked at both models stated the pros and cons. Findings is not particularly indicative.

UMassAmherst LC

~ by Gabi Wong on May 27, 2008.