Description
Two years ago, the DeWitt Wallace Library made the choice to integrate all services into a single public service point. This included circulation, reference, reserves, interlibrary loan, equipment checkout, and ITS tech support. The means by which this was accomplished included a dizzying amount of collaboration between areas of the library as well as beyond its walls. In year two, we've also added Media Services equipment and collections, while further distributing supervision of the desk and processes across librarians and staff from various areas of the library. The success of this desk has depended equally on human resources, including a trust and willingness to work outside of comfort zones and to allow each other into "our" areas of expertise in new and exciting ways, and on technological resources, including google apps for better communication and collaboration, and staff and student worker websites that serve as quick access points for the ever-expanding wealth of information and resources needed to successfully navigate the wide range of processes and services that live at our desk. We will share our story--triumphs and disasters--and encourage discussion with all participants on methods for improving patron (and staff) experiences.
Start Date
19-3-2015 10:30 AM
End Date
19-3-2015 11:30 AM
The circulation/reserves/ILL/reference/ITS/media equipment service desk: Swiss army knife or clown car?
Two years ago, the DeWitt Wallace Library made the choice to integrate all services into a single public service point. This included circulation, reference, reserves, interlibrary loan, equipment checkout, and ITS tech support. The means by which this was accomplished included a dizzying amount of collaboration between areas of the library as well as beyond its walls. In year two, we've also added Media Services equipment and collections, while further distributing supervision of the desk and processes across librarians and staff from various areas of the library. The success of this desk has depended equally on human resources, including a trust and willingness to work outside of comfort zones and to allow each other into "our" areas of expertise in new and exciting ways, and on technological resources, including google apps for better communication and collaboration, and staff and student worker websites that serve as quick access points for the ever-expanding wealth of information and resources needed to successfully navigate the wide range of processes and services that live at our desk. We will share our story--triumphs and disasters--and encourage discussion with all participants on methods for improving patron (and staff) experiences.