Hello,
RUSA's ALA/USPL task force chair asked that I share this survey with the library community in New Jersey. Please share as widely as possible. My understanding is that the links should work once cut and pasted into a web browser.
In revising RUSA's Behavioral Guidelines we’re adding a Sample Questions and Examples of Behaviors appendix with examples of questions and behaviors that improve reference and user services interactions. And we’d like your help: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_51PCWu0k3uNHmtw
We’re crowdsourcing in order to open the process and get the best examples that library workers have to offer.
Contribute to our survey by telling us what’s something you do or say, for any of the following areas, to encourage or demonstrate: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_51PCWu0k3uNHmtw
- Inclusion
- Approachability
- Engagement
- Searching
- Evaluation
- Closure
For example, here are some options that we’re considering for Inclusion:
- Providing remote reference may lessen library anxiety by lowering barriers to asking for help and increase access since people don’t have to come to the library to get assistance.
- For remote reference, allow anonymous questioning to encourage users to speak freely.
- Typically, library workers should face the user and maintain eye contact. However, exceptions for neurodivergent individuals should be made.
- When using video reference, don’t ask for the library user to turn on the camera. Accept that they probably have a good reason for not showing themselves.
Thank you for helping us democratize this documentation!
RUSA Behavioral Guidelines Task Force
RUSA Behavioral Guidelines Task Force
Rebecca Eve Graff, Chair
Kate Cordes
Rebecca Crawford
Melissa Del Castillo
Elizabeth A. Kocevar-Weidinger