OPAL: Going the Distance: Mobile Reference

A New Chapter in Customer Service

link to archived presentation on OPAL

notes by Starr Hoffman

7.25.2006

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Thoughts & Discussion After Presentation

• OCLS is a public library system; would this service be relevant or practical for an academic environment?
• Would be good for Sci-Tech because it's confusing.
• Could survey students to see their reaction/thoughts/needs.
• Will give out this survey in BIs.
• When two people are scheduled to reference desk, second one could be mobile.
• Already moving Willis 1st floor Ref Desk closer to front.
• Presentation didn't seem to differentiate between librarians and staff.
• Vocera's advantages over cell phones, pagers, walkie-talkies, IM?
• Any similar systems (to Vocera)?
• How can we start the retail model soon & cheaply? (keep dust jackets, make our catalog better)
• We can rove now to experiment and keep some statistics on questions.
• Laptop checkout service to start soon.
• LAN is now providing good service.
• Sci-Tech already using two monitors at Ref Desk (one for staff, one for patron to look at). Works well.
• Mobile equipment needs to be large enough to show students how to find answers (not just give answers, like public library).
• Maybe provide a pack or strap to carry small laptop.
• Could order examples of each to try and see what we think.
• Union space on hold.

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