ERIC Number: ED337176
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991-Mar
Pages: 180
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Information Desks in ARL Libraries. SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit #172.
Association of Research Libraries, Washington, DC. Office of Management Studies.
For this kit, 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed to identify: (1) the practices in the area of information desks; (2) information desk staffing; (3) information desk functions; and (4) their relation to the other service points within the particular library. Responses were received from 87 libraries, some of which contributed sample materials. Analyses of the responses indicated that 39 libraries have information desks. Typical sources available to information desk staff include telephones, online catalog terminals, library handouts, and campus and community information. In addition, 43% of the libraries offer information services 80% to 100% of the time their libraries are open, and paraprofessionals are the predominant form of staffing at 32 libraries. Training does not appear to be detailed, formalized, or innovative in most libraries. The survey results indicate that there is considerable consistency in the actual services provided at the desk and 82% of the libraries responded that all unanswered questions are referred. Training materials have been provided by Arizona State University, University of California (San Diego), University of Illinois (Urbana/Champagne), Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, and the University of Texas (Austin). A copy of the survey questionnaire with tallies of the responses is included. (5 selected readings) (MAB)
Descriptors: Academic Libraries, Data Analysis, Higher Education, Information Services, Job Training, Library Personnel, Library Statistics, Library Surveys, On the Job Training, Questionnaires, Reference Materials, Reference Services, Research Libraries, User Needs (Information)
Association of Research Libraries, Office of Management Services, 1527 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 ($20.00 prepaid plus $5.00 for postage and handling).
Publication Type: Guides - Non-Classroom; Legal/Legislative/Regulatory Materials; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Media Staff; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association of Research Libraries, Washington, DC. Office of Management Studies.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A