Roving Reference with iPads: a study of the use of iPads as technological support and service assessment

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Brown, Christine
  • Sulz, David

• Abstract: Libraries continue to put effort into providing on-line and self-serve access to materials to reflect changing technological possibilities and expectations. Online solutions work for offsite and internet connected patrons but many patrons still physically work in library space, may not have internet connections, and may not know where to find help. The challenge is particularly great in large, multi-floor libraries where staff is not always within sight or earshot of patrons. This paper reports on experiences in offering roving reference in a large University library with hundreds of potential patrons at any given time and limited staff resources. It reports on the usefulness and challenges of using an Apple iPad as the primary reference tool and whether it is uniquely innovative for this task.

• Date created

  2011-05-26

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Library reference services
  • Reference work
  • Tablet computers
  • Roving reference
  • Academic libraries
  • Portable computers
  • IPad
  • Reference services

• Type of Item

  Article (Draft / Submitted)

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R34Q7QW86

• License

  Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International