Kathleen Keating

Reference as Outreach: Meeting Users Where They Are

ABSTRACT Academic libraries have seen a dramatic decline in face-to-face traditional reference desk interactions over the past decade. Due to new initiatives at the University of New Mexico, reference services are flourishing even though traditional desk reference interactions are declining. Incorporating more engaged librarians within the academic and surrounding communities has expanded reference services and created new opportunities for librarians to consult with users in multiple settings. The establishment of a virtual service desk has increased the accessibility and visibility of the library to “meet users where they are” in an electronic environment.

Click It, No More Tick It: Online Reference Statistics

This article describes the creation of an online reference intake form that collects statistics and provides detailed reports. Included is a practical application, based on analysis of Native American questions, for collection development.

Integrating a library strategies peer tutoring program

Abstract Library strategies peer tutoring services were offered as a pilot project during the 1996–1997 academic year at the University of New Mexico General Library (UNMGL). Services were offered through the campus undergraduate learning center located in the largest campus library. A library faculty member coordinated the pilot project with input from faculty and staff in each library department. A training curriculum was developed for the tutors and was integrated into the learning centers nationally certified tutor training program. The pilot project was a success, and tutors now not only work one-on-one with students, but they also assist library instructors during training and course-integrated instruction sessions. Future plans include tutors providing electronic resource assistance in reference areas.

Satellite Outreach Services Program to Under-represented Students: "Being in Their Space, not on MySpace"

A strategic goal of the University of New Mexico is student retention, especially for underrepresented students. To assist in reaching that goal, the University Libraries offered the Satellite Outreach Services Program, which included reference and instruction, and was provided in the universitys multicultural student services centers. This article describes the programs planning, implementation, and statistics and includes a detailed description of outreach activities for one of the student centers, American Indian Student Services.

Studies in chance: a selective guide to gaming industry resources

The potential for substantial revenues from gaming has moved gambling from an underworld activity to a legitimate mainstream business. This selective list of portals, Web sites, and print resources is intended to guide local communities, librarians, and researchers to a variety of sources (statistics, regulations, history, and industry trends) focused on the business of gaming.

The perils of being ahead of the curve: Impact of GPO monthly catalog records on a university library

Abstract Providing public access to government publications by loading the GPO Monthly Catalog records using various years of both MARCIVE and Brodart tapes in an online public access catalog affects technical and public services in unanticipated ways. While increased public access is a step forward, database implementation and management of GPO records is critical for maintaining bibliographic, authority, and quality control. The eight-year experience of the University of New Mexico is offered in this paper as a case study.