Initiating engineering outreach reference services: background and practice

ISSN： 0090-7324

Source： Reference Services Review, Vol.35, Iss.2, 2007-05, pp. : 265-284

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Abstract

Purpose ‐ This paper seeks to present a history of the initiations of an outreach or satellite reference service and analysis based on experience with the project. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The methodology involved an online survey, e-mail queries, and in-person surveys. Findings ‐ A successful program was initiated in one site, but a second site failed to thrive. Evaluation of the second site led to the creation of criteria by which to judge future sites. Research limitations/implications ‐ This article contains a survey which is not statistically valid, which offers anecdotal insight into current reference outreach practice. A method of creating an outreach program is offered, along with pitfalls associated with that method. Practical implications ‐ This article offers a method of evaluation for physical sites external to the library that may be potential sites of reference services. Originality/value ‐ Builds on current practice in engineering libraries and creates a more concrete method for initiating these sites than currently exists in engineering library literature.