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Combine circulation and reference desk

Let’s think about combining circulation and reference desks. We can achieve an economy of scale and reduce staffing. Also, consider cutting back on reference hours during non-peak academic times, i.e., non-exam weeks.
(Submitted via Strategic Planning Comment Card)

Hopper_Moderator, 10.12.2010, 13:51

Single point of service PCL

Can we provide the cross-training and the physical reconfiguration to permit all service transactions on the main floor of the PCL to be accomplished from one walk-up service point? Can all the staff be cross-trained so there is no referral for a circulation transaction, an information question, a reserve book or other service rendered from the access point? What is the $$ amount of the potential cost-savings?

(Submitted via Comment Box)

Hopper_Moderator, 14.12.2010, 19:34
Response from the site administrator
Hopper_Moderator, 14.12.2010
Forwarded to the Strategic Planning Task Force for review.
Idea status: under consideration

Comments

hoppster, 10.12.2010, 20:30
That's fine, if the new desk was put where the current reference desk is. There is a lot of research that shows that reference transactions improve and increase when librarian "go to them" and as collaborative as possible - - - - as in go to their computer, go to the printer, physically show people how the print card dispenser works, walk to the reference stacks, etc. The circulation desk is a huge physical and psychological barrier. Reference staff should be as near the labs and reference stacks as possible, while still be visible in the lobby.

If you just put reference behind the circulation desk to have questions answered by students, you're essentially killing a quality reference service. I know it's trendy, but it's not smart for our library.
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whodat, 15.12.2010, 00:49
i wonder what the students think? simple to survey them in the library and find out.
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HH, 05.01.2011, 14:51
This branch is too busy, and the services provided are too complex to combine these desks. Patrons would expect that anyone at the desk would be able to provide reference services, and would be frustrated when told they'd need to stand in a different line because student staff couldn't help them. And at certain times of the semester (especially in the days leading up to the cursed Kiddie Lit tests), all of the checkout terminals at the desk are in use; where would they put everybody? Would librarians be expected to answer questions about patron accounts, set up Courtesy Borrower cards, check out books to patrons and authorize users temporary computer access? Would Circulation supervisors be expected to provide reference services?
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