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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dickinson, Dennis W., Pempe, Ruta
Format: Recurso educativo Open Access
Language:en
Published: 1978
Subjects:
Online Access:https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED168585
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author Dickinson, Dennis W.
Pempe, Ruta
author_facet Dickinson, Dennis W.
Pempe, Ruta
Dickinson, Dennis W.
Pempe, Ruta
collection Education Resources Information Center
contents Information Desk: Testing a Prescribed Model in the Local Environment. Dickinson, Dennis W. Pempe, Ruta Information Needs Information Seeking Information Services Library Services Program Evaluation Reference Services Research Libraries Use Studies This study was conducted in order to ascertain the need for an information desk in a large research library with decentralized reference service where, on the basis of a preponderance of evidence in the available literature, a considerable demand for such a service would be expected. The desk was located in the center of the library's entrance lobby, with the intent of answering directly any questions which did not require the staff to leave the desk, and referring patrons to appropriate resources or departments. Staff recorded patron inquiries on a questionnaire which provided a list of anticipated questions and space to record any that were unspecified. Classification of questions by type was determined inductively after data had been collected, and questions about the library were coded on the basis of the usual distinctions of relative complexity and need for specialized knowledge. Analysis of the data reveals that, contrary to expectations, significant demand for services usually provided by an information desk is limited to only a few weeks per year. (Author/CWM)
format Recurso educativo Open Access
id eric_ED168585
institution ERIC Institute of Education Sciences
language en
publishDate 1978
record_format eric
spellingShingle Information Desk: Testing a Prescribed Model in the Local Environment.
Dickinson, Dennis W.
Pempe, Ruta
Information Needs
Information Seeking
Information Services
Library Services
Program Evaluation
Reference Services
Research Libraries
Use Studies
Information Desk: Testing a Prescribed Model in the Local Environment. Dickinson, Dennis W. Pempe, Ruta Information Needs Information Seeking Information Services Library Services Program Evaluation Reference Services Research Libraries Use Studies This study was conducted in order to ascertain the need for an information desk in a large research library with decentralized reference service where, on the basis of a preponderance of evidence in the available literature, a considerable demand for such a service would be expected. The desk was located in the center of the library's entrance lobby, with the intent of answering directly any questions which did not require the staff to leave the desk, and referring patrons to appropriate resources or departments. Staff recorded patron inquiries on a questionnaire which provided a list of anticipated questions and space to record any that were unspecified. Classification of questions by type was determined inductively after data had been collected, and questions about the library were coded on the basis of the usual distinctions of relative complexity and need for specialized knowledge. Analysis of the data reveals that, contrary to expectations, significant demand for services usually provided by an information desk is limited to only a few weeks per year. (Author/CWM)
title Information Desk: Testing a Prescribed Model in the Local Environment.
topic Information Needs
Information Seeking
Information Services
Library Services
Program Evaluation
Reference Services
Research Libraries
Use Studies
url https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED168585