Moving Beyond the Walls: Implementing On-Site Librarian Services

Abstract

In 2016 the University of Central Oklahoma Research and Learning Librarians recognized that there was a segment of the student population that were not library users. Many students might never venture to the physical library to seek help from a librarian. Seeing this need, the department piloted an on-site reference program in the fall of 2016 to connect with students at their point of need. Based on a literature review of similar programs and observation of our own campus, locations were designated and assigned. To provide consistent service, each librarian was given a specific site which they visited once per week during the same day and two-hour increment. Review of the pilot program showed positive impact. The librarians took the spring semester to address issues and renewed the program, as a permanent outreach of the library services, in the fall of 2017. This poster will include information about how we implemented the program, the impact it has on campus, and commentary about faculty and student interest and participation. Christine Edwards and Jennifer Flygare will be presenting this poster.