Keywords

Academic libraries, public services, access services, library management, circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, cross-training, service points

Abstract

In spring 2012 a study was undertaken to investigate the current structure of Access Services in ARL Libraries and to understand current and future trends in departmental organization and cross-training. The survey determined that Access Services Departments in ARL Libraries typically contain a core set of services, though their structure is based on local needs. Most ARL Libraries have not experimented with combining reference and circulation functions and have only begun to consolidate traditional Access Services areas at single service points. The author recommends that Access Services be organized around a public services point instead of organizing the department around areas that provide some kind of access to library materials.

Original Publication Citation

Duane Wilson (2013) Reenvisioning Access Services: A Survey of Access Services Departments in ARL Libraries, Journal of Access Services, 10:3, 153-171, DOI: 10.1080/15367967.2013.795430