[Web4lib] Merging the lending and reference desks in academic libraries

[Jennifer Sigalet]

Hi Janette -

No research to offer although we discussed this a great deal - but we designed a simple ref and circ combo desk and it works really well! We are a small campus library with only one librarian on campus. The combo desk is the shape of a boomerang with the ref part angling into the info commons workstations and the circ desk angling towards the entrance doors.  In the middle is a little peninsula where we gather around and have the occasional meeting - if patrons come for assistance we simply help them and continue the meeting! As well, when the librarian is off the ref desk students and others will go to the circ desk where they will receive info or be referred etc.

Access and communication has improved all around - not only creating a more welcoming "reception"/circ/ref desk - but also enhancing communication in the circ/ref area amongst staff.

The University of Calgary has a more sophisticated version I believe and inspired us to do this!

Jennifer

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of janette treanor
Sent: August 23, 2010 10:36 PM
To: Web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] Merging the lending and reference desks in academic libraries

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know of any research done on the pros and cons of combining the
lending and the reference desks in a university library and the impact on
clients and staff?

I would love to hear.

thank you in advance
janette
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