As technology continually changes, Vernon R. Alden Library changes the ways students can ask for assistance and last month added text messaging to the list of ways to contact a librarian.
Students and faculty can contact Alden's reference department through Skype, phone calls, instant messages, chat, e-mail, individual appointments and most recently, text messages. In September, Alden Library launched Text-A-Librarian, which allows people to text questions to a librarian.
The reference department, which consists of 14 staff members, estimates that faculty and students ask about 150 questions a day using the various technologies. The library's technology department also fields about 50 questions each day.
Although talking to a reference staff member in person is the most common way questions are addressed, other technologies, such as text messaging, are becoming more popular. As of last Thursday, the department had received 63 questions via text message this school year, said Jessica Hagman, a reference and instruction librarian.
Because students use text messaging so prolifically, Alden decided to allow students to text questions.
It's the way students are communicating these days. I tell my students in class
(we) don't expect students to come here (we) expect to go where you are said Andrew Stuart, the assistant head of Reference and Instruction.
Both Hagman and Stuart said that the most common questions asked are how to find things for class and use the various services offered by Alden Library.
There is usually not a wait for questions, Hagman said, adding that she never has seen more than two people waiting for assistance. The reference department is busiest during the last week of classes when the library is packed with students preparing for finals, she said.
The library is open from Sunday at noon to Friday at midnight on the second floor and a staff member is always available to answer questions. Although the library is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., e-mails and other communications are not answered right away.
A student may also contact the library using Twitter or Facebook, but he or she might not receive a timely response, Hagman said.
Students can text their questions to (352) 354-2733 or call 593-2699 to set up an appointment or ask a question. The library's Skype and instant messaging username is: ohiolibref.
We're always here whenever needed
Stuart said.
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Alex Felser
