Original Post 3/13/2013
Joyce Chapman (NC)
I can’t figure out if readers advisory should be counted in reference. If not, my directors want to add it as a local question, alongside counts of technology-related one-on-one assistance and job-related one-on-one assistance.
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SDC Comments:
John Myrick (WV)
I would think that it would/should.
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Michael Golrick (LA)
Yes! (I just did a presentation on RA for our Staff Day – for support staff in public libraries around the state).
Here is the part of the definition which makes it so:
502
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Reference
Transactions
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A reference transaction is an information contact which involves the knowledge, use, recommendations, interpretation, or instruction in the use of one or more information sources by a member of the library staff. It includes information and referral services. Information sources include printed and non-printed materials, machine-readable databases, catalogs and other holdings records, and, through communication or referral, other libraries and institutions and people inside and outside the library.
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RA has all the critical elements in the first sentence, and I bolded the word “recommendations” for specific evidence. You certainly could include this as one of several categories which “roll up” into your grand total on a state level.
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Ann Reed (OR)
Yes, it should be counted as reference, as should teaching people to use the computers. The essence is a patron with a need, a tool (such as book lists, reviews staff has read, etc.) and staff with expertise.
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Scott Dermont (IA)
Yes, I would definitely include it. It is a very important part of reference work in public libraries.
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