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This study explores how reference librarians adapt to changing technologies in assisting users in information search. Methods involve field observations, interviews, and analysis to understand user interactions with library systems and the evolving role of librarians.
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School of Information, University of Texas Technology and Work: The Reference Experience Tiffany LeMaistre tiffany.lemaistre@gmail.com Dr. Diane Bailey debailey@ischool.utexas.edu Lindsey Van Zandt lindseyvz@gmail.com Rebecka Embry rebeckaembry@gmail.com Daniel Acevedo daremoshirinai@gmail.com Introduction: We are conducting a study about the evolving role of reference librarians in the wake of emerging information and communication technologies that have transformed how users search for information. "There used to be a lot more hand holding on the technology than there is now. But you still have to do a fair amount of that because library systems are kinda opaque, unfortunately, and most students do not have very much experience with them.” --Reference Librarian • Methods: • Sites in Texas: • 3 Public Libraries • 2 Large Academic Libraries • 2 Small, Private Academic Libraries • 3 Teaching Libraries • Data Collection Instruments: • 6 hours of field observation at reference • desk at each location • 1-2 hours of off desk and/or • instruction observation • 1 hour historical interview • Field Note Analysis: • Reference Desk Questions: • Structured Coding • Additional Observations and • Interviews: • Free Coding
