210 likes | 307 Vues
Explore the benefits of electronic outreach services in libraries including reference, instruction, and informative methods to enhance user experience. Learn about the changing face of libraries and the importance of staying flexible and creative in adapting to new technology.
E N D
HELP from afar: Electronic Outreach Services for Library Users Kathrine Montgomery January 31, 2001
The Changing Face of Libraries: • Proliferation of electronic resources • Home/office computers allow for increased remote access • Distance - convenience • Time constraints (age of 24/7 stores, why not 24/7 access to resources)
What is outreach? • Extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits; the extent of such services or assistance (MW) • Any service or method that provides added access to library resources
Why bother with outreach? • Countless new resources • Difficult to know where to search • All online sources are not equal • Web and electronic resources - broad but not deep • Don’t forget the paper!
Varieties of outreach • Reference • Instruction • Informative • Combination
Reference • Aid with choosing appropriate sources • Aid with search terms/techniques • Allows contact with a librarian • Way of introducing face-to-face time
Reference • Phone reference • Email reference • Video reference • Chat reference • Combination HOW?
Form vs. Function • Materials sought • Form of materials sought • Clarification of purpose • Background information • Sources already used • Use statistics
Instruction • What resources are available - and when to use them • What kind of information can be found in each resource • How to conduct a search • What to do with the results
Instruction • In combination with reference services • Guides/pathfinders/help sheets • Test effectiveness of the guides • Are they being used? • Are they written for users or by information scientists?
Informative • Email notices of interest to groups • New products • Services - Electronic and on-site • Web bulletin board • Library web site
Combination • Work with faculty to integrate reference, instruction, and informational updates with relevant courses • Course web pages • Blackboard
Recommendations • Survey or other evaluation methods • What do users want? • What do users need? • What is the most effective way to provide products/services? • Start with test programs to gauge effectiveness
Conclusions • Vital to know what your user group wants and needs - especially since it can change • Important to stay abreast of new technology • Be creative - try out new techniques as well as new technology • Be flexible - be willing and able to adapt to the changing environment
HELP From Afar Kate Montgomery kmontgo@umich.edu