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Hello everyone,

Thanks to everyone who participated in our topic discussion on reference in the time of COVID. We would love to do more of these sessions. Please don’t hesitate to send us your ideas. The following are the notes from the four breakout sessions:

Changing reference models: Does your institution have policies in place for research consultations and or library instruction? Is there flexibility built in to allow for staff comfort levels?

• We are all at different states of reopening. Most institutions are offering email reference. Most libraries are not open to the public.
• Some have tried Zoom consultations.
• Many libraries have made structural changes to allow for social distancing.
• There is a lot staggered scheduling.
• Many libraries are doing scanning to aid patrons.
• Many institutions are trying out recording orientations, and asynchronous instruction sessions.

What methods have you explored for replacing spontaneous face-to-face reference transactions? Are online office hours a good option? Have you investigated any type of scheduling system or will you rely on your personal calendar or a spreadsheet?

• Scheduling software ideas:
• youcanbook.me,
• libcal,
• Calendly,
• bookings,
• Google calendar and
• Google appointments
• Most participants reported low success rates with virtual office hours. It is agreed that promotion is crucial to usage.
• The librarians at some institutions have been given permission for in person research consultations if staff are comfortable, while others have been expressly forbidden to do them.
• A few libraries offer chat reference. One is doing more with group chat than one on one sessions. Chat reference models have shifted during COVID. At least one institution who did a triage model has moved to staffing virtual chat more directly with subject liaisons in an attempt to provide faster and more direct reference, though they still end up triaging areas that are not their expertise.

Are virtual events with time for discussion/questions on a specific theme that may relate to a specific course curriculum a good option for faculty and students?

• Many are waiting to see what faculty request.
• Virtual speaker events or discussions might be an option.
• Adapting programming (like artists’ talks, speakers on various topics) to our current reality, virtual offerings.
• Try to focus on what we can do vs. the perception that something is missing.
• Many will offer asynchronous workshops using videos and LibGuides.
• Most places are trying to discourage live workshops and are pushing students to make appointments.

How do you plan to handle the use of your reference materials with regard to quarantine? What about current periodicals?

• Many libraries are lending previously uncirculated material.
• Closed stacks in many cases, to discourage lingering in the building.
• There is a demand for e-resources that is hampered by budget constraints.
• One institution will open to students in September with open stacks, access to periodicals, etc. The collection is non-circulating and patrons and staff must treat all material as “dirty” wearing gloves and washing hands after use.
• Many institutions not allowing access to current periodicals due to the difficulty in cleaning them and longer length of quarantine for glossy materials.

 

Please send us your ideas for what you would like to see in RISS this year!

Beth and Courtney

Beth Owens
Research and Scholarly Communications Librarian
Ingalls Library
The Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1797

T  216-707-2532

Find everything you need to know at cma.org.