Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2017

Publication Source

Peer-Assisted Learning in Academic Libraries

First Page

191

Last Page

205

Publisher

Libraries Unlimited

ISBN

9781440846885

Abstract

In response to changing desk traffic and shifting librarian responsibilities, Van Wylen Library at Hope College made the decision to change its Research Desk model to one in which undergraduate Research Assistants primarily staff the desk and research librarians are available on call. To best support this modification, the Research Desk supervisors implemented an improved hiring procedure, an updated training program, and a new referral process for research questions at the desk. Initial assessment shows that the model generally works, though we continue to try to improve Research Assistants’ judgment on when to refer questions to librarians and to foster a collaborative dynamic between student Research Assistants and librarians.

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