My Vision
When I began this project, I had a vision of what I would like the new reference desk/information commons to look like: a larger, more welcoming workspace, that would feature comfortable seating areas that would encourage students to sit and collaborate with librarians on complicated reference/research questions. The space would also house the technological tools students seek most often - such as book scanners and color printers. Two student workers ; one trained by the reference department and one trained by the IT department, would be on hand to answer quick-reference and technology related questions. But are these the kinds of changes our patrons want? I'm not sure. I do know that such a change won't be sustainable if it's not what our patrons want and need. So, the first step in transforming our reference will be determining just what services our students, faculty and staff are seeking.
How will we know if it will work?
Survey the students – The students are our customers and its crucial we get their take on what they need in an information commons. We know, anecdotally, that they want a color printer in the library, technical staff to help them troubleshoot computer problems, and more food selections in the library café. What else do they want?
When I began this project, I had a vision of what I would like the new reference desk/information commons to look like: a larger, more welcoming workspace, that would feature comfortable seating areas that would encourage students to sit and collaborate with librarians on complicated reference/research questions. The space would also house the technological tools students seek most often - such as book scanners and color printers. Two student workers ; one trained by the reference department and one trained by the IT department, would be on hand to answer quick-reference and technology related questions. But are these the kinds of changes our patrons want? I'm not sure. I do know that such a change won't be sustainable if it's not what our patrons want and need. So, the first step in transforming our reference will be determining just what services our students, faculty and staff are seeking.
How will we know if it will work?
Survey the students – The students are our customers and its crucial we get their take on what they need in an information commons. We know, anecdotally, that they want a color printer in the library, technical staff to help them troubleshoot computer problems, and more food selections in the library café. What else do they want?
Haug (2008) discussed the importance of using evaluation tools such as focus groups and surveys to gauge students’ views on proposed or implemented changes. Such input can give library administrators valuable input on what changes are needed.
Survey the Faculty – Some faculty do not bring their students over for library instruction and are unaware of the technological resources we have at our disposal. Would business faculty like to use our library instruction lab and its presentation tools for group presentations? Are history professors aware we have the capability to scan items from the archives for class projects?
Survey the Staff –The changes I envision will require a philosophical shift in terms of who we do business. Such change might not be acceptable to all. The team charged with planning for this change needs to be able to impart their vision for the changes and build consensus for the plan.
Foster Stronger Partnerships - There is an opportunity to create productive partnerships with the college's Writing Center and Department of Academic Services in order to offer services such as research paper assistance and technical assistance for items such as book scanners and text-to-speech software.
Build a Team - A team including representatives from the groups mentioned above should be developed to develop, explain and advocate for the new vision of a reference desk.
Evaluate the Administrative Structure - All parties mentioned above, along with the college administration, must consider whether service delivery will be improved by moving to a Chief Knowledge Officer administrative model.
Evaluate the Administrative Structure - All parties mentioned above, along with the college administration, must consider whether service delivery will be improved by moving to a Chief Knowledge Officer administrative model.
