Change is Coming: A Combined Services Area Project

Abstract

Many academic libraries are following the trend of combining reference and access services at a single service location. Here at the Georgia Institute of Technology Library and Information Center, we are working on a Combined Services Area Project to transform current service points into a one-stop-shop area that offers reference, circulation, and technology support services. This article details the processes involved in planning and implementing an integrated services desk, outlines the benefits and challenges discovered in the process, and sets the framework for developing a collaborative service model.

Keywords:

• academic libraries
• circulation
• combined services
• reference