Author: Rick Roche

Joe Janes said that if your reference librarians will not get out from behind the desk to “rove through the reference area offering assistance whenever possible,” as prescribed in Guidelines for Behavioral Performances of Reference and Information Service Providers, telling you that roving is unprofessional, you should fire them. His response to a question from the audience was the most electric moment of the two hour program Reference Interactions in the Digital Age: Revising the RUSA Behavioral Guidelines. This program was a discussion of the updated RUSA Guidelines by a panel consisting of Joe Janes (associate professor at the University of Washington iSchool), Jana Ronan (librarian at the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida), Dave Tyckoson (librarian at California State University – Fresno Libraries), and Jo Bell Whitlatch (associate dean of San Jose State University Library). The panel discussed remote reference, staff training, and staff evaluation implications…

“Second to hospitals, libraries are the most complicated buildings to build,” said Alan Kirk Gray, Head of Technology, Technical Services, and Planning for the Darien Library in Darien, Connecticut. Gray, who was the first speaker at Changing Technology/Changing Services/Changing Design, is currently in charge of planning the construction of a new library building. He said that increasing staff productivity and meeting rising public expectations are central considerations in his library’s design process. Darien Library is incorporating RFID, wireless Internet, and multi-channel communications to try to meet those considerations. Deborah Jacobs of the Seattle Public Library reported that the new central library in her city is a big success. The press is positive, the staff is pleased, and citizens and tourists are flocking to the building. Usage statistics are way up. Jacobs credits smooth workflow, innovative technology, and environmentally friendly design. City officials are pleased by increased interest in land development…