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G2S Project Code: 2015-RI-75793
State: Rhode Island
Fiscal Year: 2015
Grantee
Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services

Project Director
Director Name: Alicia Waters
Director Phone: 401-574-9315
Director Email: alicia.waters@olis.ri.gov
General Information
Title: Reference Services
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2015
End Date: 09/30/2016
Abstract: The Office of Library and Information Services’ (OLIS) Reference Services provides reference staff in all types of libraries with tools and materials to better serve patrons. Reference Services activities include convening the Multi-type Reference Working Group, presenting continuing education programs on reference, and managing a professional library collection.

State Goal: Increase and enhance the competencies and capacities of librarians, library paraprofessionals and library trustees through an active program of continuing education.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$36,041.67
$16,732.27
$0.00
$52,773.94
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Multi-type Reference Working Group
Narrative: The Multi-type Reference Group (MRWG) supports OLIS Reference Services by bringing together librarians from academic, school, public and special libraries to foster collaboration and adoption of new skills and practices across library types. Members share information and outcomes about events at their libraries and discuss issues and developments in reference services. The MRWG advises OLIS on continuing education needs for reference librarians and plans continuing education programs that enrich and strengthen reference services throughout the state.

The MRWG developed three continuing education programs. “Legal Reference: Information, Resources and Liability,” explored the resources available in RI law libraries and available to the public. Two sessions of “Super Googling: Deep Searching and Data Collection with Google” were about Google analytics and enhancing library web content.


Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 130
Number of sessions in program: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 8
Number of times program administered: 3


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 16
Academic Libraries: 2
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 4
School Libraries: 1
Other: 0

Activity Details
Title: OLIS Library
Narrative:

The OLIS Library houses a collection of library professional materials to support the work of OLIS and library staff statewide. OLIS staff provide reference services and resources to meet the informational and educational needs of the state’s library community and a limited interlibrary loan service to state employees working in the Department of Administration.

The OLIS Library is a member of Ocean State Libraries (OSL), the state’s public library consortium. It holds 679 volumes and journals in electronic and print formats; other online resources are made available through a subscription to a library journal service.  OLIS Library staff manage circulation of holdings and technical services through OSL’s integrated library system. OLIS Library materials are delivered through the OLIS-LORI Delivery system to LORI libraries. Approximately 6,708 items, including 5,612 items returned as a service to state employees who borrow materials from other libraries through the OLIS Library, were circulated.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Combined physical & digital


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 1,096
Average number of items circulated / month: 91
Total number of ILL transactions: 1,495
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 119


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 48
Academic Libraries: 12
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 3
Special Libraries: 15
School Libraries: 110
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
The Multi-type Reference Group gives reference librarians from all types of libraries the opportunity to convene and develop expertise in reference practices.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Networking and collaboration among reference librarians supports the improvement of reference services statewide.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Participant Observation
Other
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
State library agencies have the singular opportunity to offer opportunities for staff in all areas of library services and from all types of libraries to share expertise, collaborate and create programs to strengthen knowledge bases.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
No
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: reference, interlibrary loan