• Helping a student at the Reference Desk in the Shapiro Library.
  • Helping a student at the service desk in the Askwith Media Library.
  • Ask a Librarian instant messaging conversation box.
  • Helping a student at the Art, Architecture & Engineering Library.
  • Dictionary by the Reference Desk in the Shapiro Library.
  • Conversation bubbles with text "Ask a Librarian"
  • Librarians at the Hatcher Graduate Library Information Desk.
Helping a student at the Reference Desk in the Shapiro Library.

Learning & Teaching: User Information & Discovery Services

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, Computer & Video Game Archive, Hatcher Graduate Library reference services, and Shapiro Library reference services.

Current Projects We're Working On:

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 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

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Last modified: 03/26/2013