Creating a Successful Single Service Point for Circulation and Reference in an Academic Library

Abstract

This presentation will describe how the Access Services and Reference departments of the UNT Libraries successfully worked together to create a single service point for Circulation (Interlibrary Loan, Reserves, Fines) and Reference services. It will examine the planning, implementation and assessment processes behind the creation of the Library Services Desk, a combined service desk. Hours of operation, marketing, desk staffing, cross training and skill set development will also be discussed. Concerns from a staff perspective, management perspective and student perspective will be highlighted. This presentation will also examine the external and internal benefits the combined service desk has created in the areas of staff resources, staff management, budget expenditures, customer service, innovation and communication.