ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 Using the READ Scale at the University at Albany/SUNY Jean McLaughlin Honors College/Assessment Librarian University at Albany Albany, New York August 6, 2008
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 University at Albany – University Libraries Three libraries: University, Science, Dewey Student population: 12, 400 undergraduates 5, 000 graduate Schools & Colleges College of Arts & Sciences College of Computing & Information College of Public Affairs & Policy Business, Public Health, Criminal Justice, Social Welfare
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 University Libraries 2 million volumes 3 Reference Desks 30 Librarians are using the READ Scale
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 READ Scale Introduction April 2007 Phase 1 – May to July 2007 Phase 2 – August 2007 Phase 3 – Fall 2007
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 READ Scale Implementation Reference Department librarian activities 6 librarians recorded questions and ratings Librarians met to discuss ratings Questions and ratings available to all Training provided to University Library librarians
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 READ Scale Implementation Equipment transactions READ Scale 6 Reflection of complexity of transactions Librarian feedback Easy to record transactions Sometimes difficult to determine category Good to see real reference numbers
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 Fall semester – initial views Expansion of READ Scale to Science & Dewey, Summer 2008 Staffing READ Scale 1-2 vs. 3-6 Confirms graduate student staffing Confirmation of real reference work
ARL Library Assessment Conference, 2008 READ Scale Ratings - Hourly