Library Assessment Conference

Okay, so Laura and I are down here in the great state of Virginia at a conference of academic librarians discussing library assessment and quality. We're pumped up about it, because we do this kind of thing all the time, but I've gotten tons of funny looks from people who asked where I was going on this trip.

We'll be working on such exciting topics as how to organize and conduct focus groups, how to translate survey results into usable information, how to organize research and collect data, etc.

You should probably feel a little sorry for us; we're going to stick out like sore thumbs. I am going to try very hard to keep my mouth shut, there's no need to go out on a limb here. I'll keep you posted about the events.

Reference Quality Taskforce

This is just an update on what the Reference Quality Taskforce has been up to lately. We have finished analyzing the various reference surveys and decided on some goals to work toward: enhanced database training for reference staff at YSL and ASL meetings, developing equipment and technology training for staff to enable them to assist the public at computer stations, and developing the techniques necessary for reference staff to use Millennium as a reference tool.

Additionally RQT is working on reorganizing and updating the "Reference Services" section of the Public Services Manual. Roving reference and IM will be included as part of the update.

Lastly RQT is working to update and improve our Patron (soon to be "Customer") Contact Sheet. Our goal here is to collect all the data we need to be able to count and evaluate our reference service, while not killing every tree in North America to make paper. We are examining what statistics we truly need and the most efficient ways to collect them.

Anyone with questions or suggestions is welcome to contact any member of RQT.

Liz

Missing Materials

This proves there is always hope for those missing materials. "Thousands of days ago, 9-year-old William Vassily went to the Portland Public Library and took out a book about the adventures of a baby whale..." read more...