Libstats are to be recorded after every interaction with a patron, excepting "may I check this book out?" There are a few reasons for this:
- Staff can be sure answers are given correctly (even for other staff!)
- This is a place you can look back to if you want to see how others have answered questions
- Just like the Red Binder / Daily Check In - you are expected to look back at what others have posted in LibStats. This is a good way to learn more about the library in general, as well as what types of questions are directional vs. reference (more on that below!).
- We keep statistics on how many questions are asked at the desk. We used to do this when we had both an access and a reference desk as well!
This section is to clarify a few things you will need to know, but is not comprehensive. Some of this will be expanded on in the reference training session provided within the first two months of the fall semester.
- The link is in Teams on the password document. Save this link to your task bar
Location
- Make sure you have Information Desk chosen
Patron Type
- Sometimes it's hard to tell which category a person is in. Use your best judgement (or ask a co-worker!)
Question Types
- Directional You will use this one the most often.
- This is for any questions like:
- Where is UIT?
- Where is the bathroom?
- Where do I find PS3561.I483 C8 1981b
- It is also for questions like:
- Can I have a white board marker?
- What time do you close?
- Reference and Reference Referred
- This is for reference interviews (reference)
- Reference Referred is if you start with the interview, then pass to a librarian
- Tech Support
- Printers, scanners, micro-film, -fiche, -card readers
- If they ask for help on laptops, that becomes a REFERRED question
- Lost and Found
- If they ask if we have something and they claim it
- Go back in and edit the libstat with an answer of "CLAIMED"
- If they are LOOKING for something we don't have, get a description of the item, their name, and a contact
- If something is turned in, record descriptively what it is, include the libstat # on the tag you put with the item
- ILL Verification (never use this - leave for the ILL specialists)
- Patent Search (never use this - leave for the reference librarian in charge of patents and trademarks)
