Improvements on a Shoestring: Changing Reference Systems and Processes

Authors

Jackie Couture, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow
Deborah Whalen, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Department

Libraries

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

In the chapter, we discussed the changes we began making in fall 2011 to our reference systems and processes in Special Collections and Archives with basically no investment of money and using our existing resources. We found that ideas generated from other archives could be creatively adapted to fit our needs with free or low cost technology. For easier access to information on our website, we used Archon, Drupal, and LibraryH3lp.com. To improve our reference processes in terms of procedures forms, and fees, we kept statistics with Google Docs and Library Stats, delivered all requested materials digitally through Dropbox, and used Drupal web forms for requests, creating a separate web form for family file requests.

Recommended Citation

Couture, J., & Whalen, D. (2014). Improvements on a shoestring: Changing reference systems and processes. In K. Theimer (Ed.), Reference and access: Innovative practices for archives and special collections (pp. 37-49). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.

Book Title

Reference and Access: Innovative Practices for Archives and Special Collections