Talk about Going Where Your Users Are
The Ask Cart with the Library Dude
“The ASK cart (actual hotdog cart) is a mobile library service offered by the Thun Library to provide reference assistance. Designed as a simple, effective and fun approach to faculty and student outreach, the Library Dude aka Billie Walker and other librarians offer on-the-spot information and/or reference assistance outdoors.
Equipped with wireless laptop and various goodies (highlighters, candy, etc.) the librarians at Berks are increasing visibility and awareness of reference service (one-on-one consultations, specialized databases, etc.) and library resources (podcast, bestsellers, etc). So when you see the ASK cart please give a shout-out to the Library Dude!” [via Sarah Miller on Facebook]
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Pingback by links for 2008-04-26 « Nur mein Standpunkt — Saturday, April 26, 2008 @ 6:36 am
Now that’s what I call roving reference!
Comment by Cathy Ferguson — Saturday, April 26, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Now that is a cool idea! Does anyone know if the cart is getting much use from patrons?
-Talking Books Librarian
http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com/
Comment by Talking Books Librarian — Monday, April 28, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Wow! Now I really like that idea. It certainly has that stop and take a look feel to it. I can see how many would walk right up to the stand if only to see what is going on and to check it out. Perfect hook! You get them there and well since they are there ask a question and get a treat!
The Library where I work at has something similar, though not as nearly as fun as that (sorry boss). We call our service “Librarians on the Loose,” where we move around campus with a laptop and go where the students are (complete with a table cover with our name on it, in addition to the fun stuff - candy, pens, pencils, erasers, etc). Unfortunately, we are bound by where we can find a table to sit at, as well as wireless access. That particular mobile service definitely does have that appeal and draw that other libraries should take notice and consider using for its’ possibilities in bringing not only notice to what services the library has to offer but not letting ourselves be bound to a specific building all the time. Marvelous idea!
Comment by Teresa — Thursday, May 1, 2008 @ 10:42 am
Great idea! Where did you get your cart - we are thinking of having our own roving reference service as well. Thanks.
Comment by Kristine Tardiff — Friday, May 2, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
Can I get mustard and Kipling?
Comment by steveballmer — Friday, May 2, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Kristine, I was just highlighting Penn State’s service, so you’d have to contact them to ask for details.
Teresa - your service sounds pretty good, too!
Jenny
Comment by jenny — Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
This is a fantastic reference outreach idea. I suspect this reference concession stand would work beautifully in small colleges or small public libraries. However, I assume that wireless internet would be a barrier to implementation. I wonder how this would work without the internet or if it is even possible?
Very funny comment, Steve. I prefer my Kipling with onions.
Thanks for the post. Very interesting.
Comment by Melissa — Monday, May 5, 2008 @ 7:00 pm