Rethinking Access Service

Ever wonder why Access Services conferences are far and few between? I do? While Interlibrary Loan conferences and regional meetings are consistent, I haven't really seen many on the suite of Library services on Access Services. Today, after talking about this with a colleague at UVa Library, I want to see a conference or forum (like the Scanning Forum) that addresses the need for Access Services at Libraries to face punctuated equilibrium strategically.



We might see the Rethinking Resource Sharing Forum and org as a model for addressing the need to rethink Access Services... Why?



Access Services is transforming; with consortia circulation systems, they increasingly deal with Interlibrary Loan issues. Access itself is diversifying; equipment, study rooms, services, delivery options, format challenged, remote user services, source options (buying, renting, etc.) and more.



Access Services Librarianship is chaotic? Many have said that Access Services is suffering some de-professionalization, similary, others say that Librarian positions are facing the same pressure.



Can Access Services both manage the day to day operations of the Library and transform itself at the same time?



Should we take up planning an Access Services forum for 2008? Potential Topics:

• Circulation - Reference Interviews & Hybridization
• Electronic Reserves - Print Reserves
• Service Convergence - ILL, Reference, Just-in-Time Acquisitions, etc.
• Fines - True cost of overdue Fines
• Automating workflow - renewals, etc.
• Recall vs. ILL
• Distance Education & Remote User Delivery Services
• Hold for Pickup or Deliver to Home
• Storage
• Administration
• Managing Facilities
• Customer Service
• Training & Staff Development
• 24 hour schedules

Others?

Are others interested in the idea of an Access Services conference or rethinking forum? Let me know. cyril.oberlander@gmail.com