Open Collections

UBC Library uses Desk Tracker software to record staff interactions with library patrons. Interactions are classified by type based on the nature of question and the effort and expertise required to respond. The question types used in this dataset can be mapped to the Association of Research Libraries' (ARL) definitions for <em>reference</em> and <em>directional</em> interactions:</p> <ul><li><b>Reference</b> (<em>Basic, Intermediate, Advanced,</em> and <em>Comprehensive</em> interaction types): "an information contact that involves the knowledge, use, recommendations, interpretation, or instruction in the use of one or more information sources by a member of the library staff."</li> <li> <b>Directional</b> (<em>Hardware/authentication</em> and <em>Directional</em> interaction types): "an information contact that facilitates the logistical use of the library and that does not involve the knowledge, use, recommendations, interpretation, or instruction in the use or creation of information sources other than those that describe the library, such as schedules, floor plans, and handbooks."</li> </ul>

Please contact Jeremy Buhler at jeremy.buhler@ubc.ca if you have questions. </p>