OCLC study

[Drew, Bill]

The OCLC study raises several questions for continued thought and
discussion.  I think we should look at them here and discuss them.

Bill Drew

-- Most students prefer to access the web for study assignments using their
home
computer. Can librarians ensure easy remote access to electronic information
resources through technologies like NCIP? Are library policies and
procedures in
place to support broad access? Can database license restrictions be eased?
-- Students naturally gravitate to the generally-available web tools. Can
librarians
create multiple access points at the web locations students prefer, whether
those are
search engines, portals, or the campus bookstore's site?
-- Web search engines and portals provide single-point search access. Can
libraries deliver websites that directly present and connect to relevant
information
from many databases and resources, including faculty, curriculum, and
administrative
websites?
-- Students want access to information even if it is available only from
other
libraries. Should librarians enable "remote circulation" through automated,
patron initiated
interlibrary loan? Should librarians grant students reciprocal borrowing
privileges among other libraries within geographical proximity?
-- Students want assistance with using the web, but prefer face-to-face
contact.
Can librarians deliver the kind of personalized, interactive service that
will appeal to
them?
-- Students expect service providers - both electronic and bricks-and-mortar
- to
offer convenience, selection, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere. Can
librarians create a customer-friendly experience to match the best merchants
and
consumer websites?
-- Students want to know more about the library and its resources. Can
librarians
execute marketing rules for product definition, promotion, price, placement,
and
positioning?
-- Students frequently visit libraries in the evenings and on weekends. Are
students' perceptions of customer service based on exposure to professional
librarians,
paraprofessionals, or students?