As an area of Learning and Teaching, the User Information and Discovery Services team focuses on direct user interactions designed to foster the use of information resources and scholarly content discovery. The team not only develops print and non-print collections to support scholarly inquiry for a broad user base, but also provides user-centered library research assistance via onsite and via online environments. With each individualized user interaction, we promote the virtual and physical learning environment.
What We Do:
We're involved in many things focused on connecting you to the content and expertise found in MLibrary.
Areas served by this team include Art, Architecture & Engineering Library reference services, Ask a Librarian services, Askwith Media Library collection, Computer & Video Game Archive, Hatcher Graduate Library reference services, and Shapiro Library reference services and undergraduate collections.
Current Projects We're Working On:
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Incorporation of new technologies in our services:
- Research Guides developed by expert staff on our team (check out guides created by subject specialists in MLibrary)
- Analysis of collection use by undergraduates
- Streaming video support for Ann Arbor campus instructors
- Analysis of Ask a Librarian online reference services:
Organization Chart
Selected Presentations and Publications:
Alexander, L., Blumenthal, J., Downing, K., et al. (2011). MLibrary: Concepts for Redefining Reference. Journal Of Library Administration, 51(4), 326-342.
Beaton, B., Piacentine, J., & Reiman-Sendi, K. (2011). Can U Help? How to Deliver an Instant Messaging Service to Improve Communication with Your Customers. (U-M StaffWorks Technology & Best Practices Conference presentation). Retrieved March 19, 2011 at http://rossmedia.bus.umich.edu/rossmedia/SilverlightPlayer/Default.aspx?peid=5d29e196b29b4e1988910a90856c19311d
Bonnet, J. Cordell, S., Duque, G., et al. (2013). The Apprentice Researcher: Using Undergraduate Researchers' Personal Essays to Shape Instruction and Services. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 13(1), 37-59.
Downing, K., Desai, S., and MacKintosh, P. (2010). Helping the Hand that Feeds You: Supporting the Research Needs of Campus Executive Officers (ACRL 2011 National Conference paper presentation). Retrieved March 18, 2011 at http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/conferences/confsandpreconfs/national/2011/papers/helping_hand.pdf
Tshirhart, L, Hamm, B., Perpich, D., et al. (2013). They Came for the Carbs, and Stayed for the Collaboration. (ACRL 2013 National Conference paper presentation). Retrieved June 4, 2013 at http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/conferences/confsandpreconfs/2013/papers/Tschirhart_etal_Carbs.pdf
