Administrative Council

notes by Starr Hoffman

7.27.06

Mobile Reference Discussion

• Gayla, Erin, & I gave our impressions of the Mobile Reference webinar
• Martha has asked on LibRef-L if other academic libraries are using this model. It appears only one has a similar service (without using the technology); West TX A&M. They are now looking at trying this in the main library, the Sterling C. Evans Library.
• Erin said she regularly gets questions when she is on the second floor. There are only two computers to search the catalog there, and if students need help, they often seem to not want to return downstairs to the reference desk. She also mentioned that physically escorting students to locations in the stacks or other places might work well in Sci-Tech, since it is such a confusing space.
• Scott and Cathy said they hadn't yet been able to determine quite how Vocera would interface with our wireless network. Also questioned was whether Vocera would be able to work in Sci-Tech (where there is often bad cell phone reception). Cell phones were mentioned as an alternative.
• Also was mentioned that when you first turned on your PDA/tablet/laptop, you would have to log into the wireless.
• A lot of discussion about whether or not students would like being approached. Susan mentioned that bookstore employees wander the floor, but generally wait to be approached by patrons--not as intrusive as the Home Depot model.
• Discussion about how the model would work in an academic vs. public setting.

Actions

1. pilot & development at Sci-Tech
1. when double-staffed at reference desk, Erin will wander the second floor and approach patrons
2. we will work on developing different referral strategies at Willis (Gayla & Martha, Starr & Valerie?)
1. cross-department communication about plan
2. will begin physically escorting patrons to locations or people
3. communication system is key to its success
4. call ahead to have person meet you & patron at elevator
3. student survey
1. Gayla & Frances will survey BI students about their reactions/thoughts about being approached
2. may add link on library site, as well
4. move Willis reference desk (aslready under discussion)
1. Martha will consider a style of desk that might be higher, to get eye contract with patrons
5. Cathy will look into getting a few models of mobile computers to demo

Other Discussion

• Diane spoke briefly about the Access database for department reports (re: Strategic Plan).
• new president will be in place in August (formal ceremony later in fall)
• budget/raises still unknown -- waiting for new president
• MMDL reports that 8 out of 19 departments have scheduled their content meetings; please schedule them soon
  • Melody reports that their meeting lasted 1.5 hours and went well
• Gayla reported on the assessment software
  • can see her notes for the presentation here
  • library link on myUNT mentioned; under discussion
  • need a more intuitive OPAC (even with BI, students don't understand it)
    • subsequent discussion: should we improve the OPAC, or teach students to use it better? would faceted navigation help this?
    • more discussion about faceted navigation; Cathy mentioned perhaps holding that TechTalk again
• Web Development Functional Group Sunset Review
  • Website Work Team: sunsetted
  • Website Content Management Workgroup: sunsetted

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