Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Other

Location

Room 1220B

Abstract

The Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center is privileged to be the sole library for four distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU): Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center. This role can also be a challenge when trying to reach students and faculty in all the campuses since the physical building of the library is not centrally located. With the help of technology and a few campus contacts, Woodruff librarians are taking their reference services to where the researchers are – on campus. Faculty and or campus staff select a time and day when student traffic would be high (usually the days when most classes are scheduled) and a location with high visibility, which include student centers, dorms and computer labs. Initially, student turnout was low but with time and more advertising, the number of reference interactions has increased. This presentation will illustrate the library’s need for this service, our approach to talking with campus contacts about the program and which aspects of the program has been successful and what can be improved.

Presentation Description

This presentation will inform the audience about the challenges that Woodruff Library faced in providing services to a variety of campuses such as location, connectivity, access, time constraints, etc. This presentation will also address how Woodruff turned the challenges into opportunities to move library services beyond the building. This process allowed for better integration with departmental activities and student projects. If time allows, participants will be able to present some challenges that they face on their own campuses and collaborate with colleagues about possible solutions.

Keywords

Academic libraries, Reference services (Libraries), Reference librarians, Electronic reference services (Libraries)

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Oct 1st, 8:30 AM Oct 1st, 10:00 AM

Librarians on Demand: Offering Instruction and Reference Services Anytime They Want It and Anywhere They Want It

Room 1220B

The Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center is privileged to be the sole library for four distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU): Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center. This role can also be a challenge when trying to reach students and faculty in all the campuses since the physical building of the library is not centrally located. With the help of technology and a few campus contacts, Woodruff librarians are taking their reference services to where the researchers are – on campus. Faculty and or campus staff select a time and day when student traffic would be high (usually the days when most classes are scheduled) and a location with high visibility, which include student centers, dorms and computer labs. Initially, student turnout was low but with time and more advertising, the number of reference interactions has increased. This presentation will illustrate the library’s need for this service, our approach to talking with campus contacts about the program and which aspects of the program has been successful and what can be improved.