ACITC Mini-Grant Fall 2009 Ask a Mobile Librarian Project

1. ACITC Mini-Grant Fall 2009Ask a Mobile Librarian Project

2. Project Overview • In fall 2009, librarian Rebecca Weber received an ACITC grant to experiment with the implementation of a mobile reference service on campus. • Seven mobile reference sessions were held during the semester. • Using a Dell laptop purchased with grant funds, librarian Rebecca Weber went to several campus locations . • At these locations, Ms. Weber was set up to assist students with research questions or library-related issues.

3. Getting Started • Focus groups were held to determine times, locations, and interest in a mobile reference service. • A student assistant was hired to help support the instructional team, assist in promotion of the mobile reference service, and allow coverage of in-library reference service during the mobile library hours. • Photo : Jenny Mumfrey ,Student Assistant

4. Recruitment and Focus Groups • Twenty students were recruited for focus groups via announcements on FitForum. • There were five students per group. • Of the twenty students, fifteen were international students. • Sessions lasted about fifty minutes. • Students were given a $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card as incentive for their participation.

5. Focus Group Questions • Students were asked the following questions: • Do you currently use the library reference services? (email, phone, chat, in person) • How often do you use the library resources or services? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Once or twice a semester? • At what point in your research do you ask for help from a librarian or begin to use the library resources seriously?

6. Focus Group Questions Continued • What time of the day would you most likely use the mobile reference service? • Where on campus would you most like to see the mobile reference service held? • Would a service available in the SUB or other places on campus make you more likely to ask a librarian for help with your research?

7. Focus Group Findings • Most students in the groups used the library as a place to study. • Some students indicated they did not know they could ask a librarian for assistance with research. • Graduate students were more likely to ask a librarian for research assistance. • Overall students indicated that late afternoon or early evening would be a good time to hold the service.

8. Focus Group Findings Continued • Students indicated they would use a mobile reference service if they needed it. • Groups suggested the SUB and the dorms most often as places to host the mobile reference service. • Photo : Ms. Weber and a focus group

9. Organization • Based on focus group findings and library hours, seven sessions were planned in the following locations: • The Denius Student Center • Olin Engineering • The Crawford Building • Harris Village • The Applied Computing Center • The Academic Support Center • Sessions were held either at 1-3 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. • For two of the sessions, librarians Ann Sepri and Nate Hosburgh accompanied librarian Rebecca Weber. • Photo: Ms. Weber assisting students

10. Promotion • Announcements concerning locations and times of the Ask A Mobile Librarian service were distributed via FitForum. • Posters were created for display in the library and other campus locations. • Table tents were distributed to campus dining facilities. • Emails were sent to the class lists. • Times and locations were posted on the library blog.

11. Promotional Poster

12. Holding the Sessions • Seven sessions were held as advertised. • Ms. Weber posted table-top signs to promote the service while on location. • Students occupying the area where the service was held were asked if they needed assistance with research. • Actual attendance of the sessions was low with two students asking for assistance and one student requesting assistance via email after having seen the Ask a Mobile Librarian poster on campus .

13. Outcomes • Although attendance of the sessions was low, some positive outcomes resulted from the service: • Some students in the focus groups were better informed about library services after participating. • A student contacted librarian Rebecca Weber and asked for assistance with her research after seeing the Ask a Librarian poster.

14. Outcomes Continued • A professor arranged a library instruction session for her students after seeing the Ask a Mobile Librarian service. • Other students may have used the library as a result of the posters or seeing a librarian on campus. Photo: students studying at Evans Library

15. Thoughts for the Future • After completing the fall 2009 sessions, the following conclusions were reached: • The service should be held in one location, at a consistent time. • Many students are unaware that librarians can offer one-on-one research consultations. • Overall awareness of the library/library services is increased through advertising. • Having a librarian hold office hours (once or twice a week) in conjunction with the Academic Support Center may be a good alternative as a continuation of this service.

16. THANK YOU, ACITC!