scholarly journals Use of Two Screens at Library Reference Desk for Improved Information Services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulcin Kubat
Keyword(s):  
Information Transmission ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Library Reference Service

AbstractThis article describes the positive interaction achieved with the use of two screens by the librarian and the user in an academic library reference service. Besides the ergonomic benefits provided for both the librarian and the user, the advantages of the system will be shown in terms of information transmission. This will involve an explanation of how the librarian’s screen display is shared with the user and simultaneously allows the librarian to present additional information and announcements.

scholarly journals Reference Mode Preferences of Community College (Two-Year) and Four-Year College Students: A Comparison Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 50 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Carey ◽  
Ajatshatru Pathak
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Community College ◽  
New York ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Online Chat ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Reference Service

Abstract Objective – The purpose of this study was to examine the reference service mode preferences of community college (two-year) and four-year college students. Methods – The researchers administered a paper-based, face-to-face questionnaire at two institutions within the City University of New York system: Hunter College, a senior college, and Queensborough Community College, a two-year institution. During the summer of 2015, the researchers surveyed 79 participants, asking them to identify their most and least preferred mediums for accessing library reference services. Results – Nearly 75% of respondents expressed a preference for face-to-face reference, while only about 18% preferred remote reference services (online chat, e-mail, text message, and telephone). Close to 84% of the participants cited remote reference services as their least preferred modes and slightly more than 10% said this of face-to-face. The data reveal a widespread popularity of face-to-face reference service among all types of participants regardless of institutional affiliation, age, gender, academic level, field of study, and race or ethnicity. Conclusion – This study suggests that given the opportunity academic library users will utilize face-to-face reference service for assistance with research assignments. Academic libraries at both two-year and four-year institutions might consider assessing user views on reference modes and targeting support toward services that align with patron preferences.

scholarly journals Evaluating Reference Service in a Large Academic Library

1991 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Elzy ◽  
Alan Nourie ◽  
F. W. Lancaster ◽  
Kurt M. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Reference Service

scholarly journals Reference service evaluation at an African academic library: the user perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 552-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Luo ◽  
Viscount B. Buer
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
User Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Reference Service

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a detailed discussion of a large-scale library reference evaluation study conducted at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana. The study seeks to evaluate the reference service from the user perspective, focusing on how users use and perceive the service. Design/methodology/approach – Self-administered survey was used as the data collection instrument. One thousand questionnaires were distributed to library users in a three-week period, and the response rate was 63.7 per cent. Findings – The reference service had a high non-use rate of 42.6 per cent, which was primarily attributed to library users’ self-sufficiency and lack of awareness of the service. The top three motivations for library users to use the reference service were class assignments, personal interests and using library facilities. Although their overall altitude was positive, users felt that reference librarians were more successful at exhibiting customer service qualities than performing tasks related to identifying users’ information needs and searching/locating relevant information to fulfill the needs. Practical implications – The knowledge gained from this study will deepen the understanding of how the reference service is utilised and perceived by library users and offer insights on how to enhance the services to optimise the user experience. Originality/value – This study yields an enriched view of reference service provision in the African context. Its findings will help other academic libraries in Africa successfully plan and implement their own reference evaluation efforts and ultimately encourage more evidence-based library practices in the developing world.

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