Reference as Outreach: Meeting Users Where They Are

ABSTRACT

Academic libraries have seen a dramatic decline in face-to-face traditional reference desk interactions over the past decade. Due to new initiatives at the University of New Mexico, reference services are flourishing even though traditional desk reference interactions are declining. Incorporating more engaged librarians within the academic and surrounding communities has expanded reference services and created new opportunities for librarians to consult with users in multiple settings. The establishment of a virtual service desk has increased the accessibility and visibility of the library to “meet users where they are” in an electronic environment.

KEYWORDS:

• academic libraries
• embedded
• instruction
• outreach
• virtual reference