The Mobility Difference Implementing a Roving Reference Program at the Bayville Public Library Brianna Hoffman LI850XI – Fall 2012 Rajesh Singh

The Mobility Difference  Current Reality  Remodel Project  Circulation Statistics  Reference Services  Reference Statistics  Need for Change  The Desired Change  Projected Outcomes  Necessary Steps for Change  A New Paradigm Shift  The New Bayville Public Library

Bayville Public Library Current Reality  $20 Million Remodel in 2010  Expanded Library from 31,000 Square Feet to 65,000 Square Feet  No New Staff  Part of Passing Bond that Financed Remodel

Current Reality Circulation Statistics , ,650 Increase of 26,200 Items

Current Reality Reference Services  Increase of Reference Questions  Increase in Floor Space  Increase in Collection Size  Increase in Circulation  Increase in Door Counts  Increase in Program Attendance

Current Reality Reference Statistics  Reference Staff  3 FTE Librarians  4 PTE Librarians  Reference Questions  22% Increase Since Remodel  Missed Opportunities  Patrons going without assistance  Leaving the Library Frustrated

A Need for Change  No New Staff  Must Work with what is ALREADY in Place  Increasing Technological Advancements  Meeting Patron Needs at their POINT OF NEED  Moving from a Passive Level of Service to an Assertive Level of Service  More Space = More Ground to Cover Grover, Greer, & Agada, 2010

The Desired Change Reference Librarians go Mobile Roving Reference with iPads

Projected Outcomes  Extending Reference Beyond the Desk and into the Stacks  Modular Training for Patrons  Synergy Between Digital and Print Collections  Untethering from the Reference Desk  Multi-Task with Ease  Virtual and in Person Reference Lotts and Graves, 2011 Huwe, 2003

Extending Reference Beyond the Desk and into the Stacks  Taking Advantage of Wireless Connections  Engaging Users  Enhancing Search Strategies on their own Systems  Preserving the Library as a Site for Information Counsel Lotts and Graves, 2011 Huwe, 2003

Modular Training for Patrons  Extending Training to Small Patron Groups  Training on Devices for E-Books  Creating a Lively Training Environment Lotts and Graves, 2011 Huwe, 2003

Synergy Between Print and Digital Collections  Electronic Journals  Online Reference Tools  Following the User into the Stacks  “Answers, not Articles” Lotts and Graves, 2011

Untether from the Reference Desk  Librarian becomes “Technically Accessible”  Able to Access Information when no Computer is Available Huwe, 2003 Image:

Multi-Task with Ease Virtual and In Person Reference  Monitor Virtual Reference while Roving  Monitor During Meetings

Steps for Change 1. Purchase of iPads 2. Staff Training 3. Implementing and Publicizing the Service

Purchasing of iPads  Friends of the Bayville Public Library  Alotted $1500 for Project  3 Reference Desks  3 iPad 2’s  Black  16GB  Wi-fi Model  $ per iPad  Total: $ Tax  Cases can also be Purchased Apple Store

Staff Training  Tech Services Specialist on Staff  Three Training Sessions  Over a course of three months during Reference Staff Meetings  Reference Librarians will be able to take iPads Home to Increase Familiarity

Implementing the Service  After Three Month Training and Familiarity Period  Each Reference Desk will have Designated iPad  Librarians will “Rove” Service Areas  Roving Approximately 30% of Reference Shift for the first 6 Months of Program  Statistics will be Collected  Evaluation Period After 6 Months is Completed

Publicizing the Service  Announcement on BPL’s Homepage, Facebook Page and Twitter Feed  Signs Advertising the Service at Computer Labs  Signs in Various Areas of the Stacks

Paradigm Shift The New Bayville Public Library

 Service  Taking Reference where it is Needed the MOST  The “WOW” Effect  Taking Advantage of the Newest Technology  Becoming Experts All Over Again  Exposure of Services  Exposure of Underused Resources  Databases

Most Importantly ……………… Meeting Patron Needs at their POINT OF NEED

References Grover, R., Greer, R., & Agada, J. (2010). Assessing information needs. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Huwe, T. (2003). Casting a wider net with roving reference. Computers in Libraries, 23(3), 1-5 Lotts, M., & Graves, S. (2011). Using the ipad for reference services. ACRL TechConnect, Apple Store, Select an ipad.( pad/family/ipad/ipad2). Apple iPad [online image]. Retrieved October 21, 2012 from images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/ipad2012-step0-ipad-gallery- ipad2-01- zoom?wid=1022&hei=554&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=b icub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp. Compass [online image]. Retrieved October 21, 2012 from compass.jpg.