Implementing the READ (Reference Effort Assessment Data) as an Additional Measure of Reference Interactions

Implementing the READ Scale©:

An Additional Measure of Reference Interactions

Kelsey Cheshire and Emily Porter-Fyke

What is READ©?

Reference Effort Assessment Data

Available at readscale.org

Developed by Dr. Bella Karr Gerlich

6-point scale based on effort of

interaction

The Original READ Scale©

1. No consultation of resources

2. Nominal resource consultation

3. Using ready reference resource materials

4. Referring to multiple resources

5. More substantial effort and time

6. Can't be answered on the spot

UNCG Adaptation

Our strategy for implementation

Interns or student workers make great guinea pigs!

Desk cheat sheet

(tinyurl.com/uncgreadscale)

Image courtesy of unicorngrease.tumblr.com

UNCG Data• Almost 12,000

READ reference transactions logged so far

• How does it give perspective to reference interactions?

• How can we apply it in the future?

Captain Ray Holt from the TV show Brooklyn Nine Nine viewing the movie Moneyball

1 2 3 4 5 6

56

43

26

17

25

05

91

8

57

6

Read Scale Numbers by UsageN: 11,746

Directions and General Info2%

Reference94%

Service0%

Technology4%

4-Level Reference Interactions

Directions and General Info ReferenceService Technology

Directions and General Info2%

Reference94%

Technology5%

5 and 6-Level Reference Interactions

Directions and General Info ReferenceTechnology

Directions and General Info58%

Reference19%

Service12%

Technology11%

1 and 2 Level Interactions

Directions and General Info ReferenceService Technology

Directions and General Info9%

Reference85%

Service2%

Technology4%

3 Level Interactions

Directions and General Info ReferenceService Technology

Conclusion

Individual Insight:

How interns/librarians differ in their treatment of reference interactions

Provides awareness of skill levels--where are we proficient? What do we need to improve on?

Departmental Insight:

Deeper understanding of reference interactions

Better comprehension of how/when we get reference questions (staffing, budgeting, etc.)

Testament to capability of interns

Any Questions?

Special Thanks: Kathy Shields, Jenny Dale, Amy Harris Houk, and of course, Dr. Bella Karr Gerlich

Contact Information:

Kelsey Cheshire [email protected]

Emily Porter-Fyke [email protected]