The University Library is in the process of renovating our circulation desk in the Mills Memorial Library, the largest of our libraries. The previous desk was the “Queen Mary” of circ desks —-huge and imposing. The new circ desk will be more modular which means flexibility in the future and accessibility for our users with mobility impairments.
This is the last of our “traditional” circulation desks to be renovated. The Business Library and the Science/Engineering Library have already been through similar transformations. The changes reflect shifts in use patterns. For example total circulation has declined from 543,156 in 2005 to 349,309 in 2010. Initial circulation has declined from 245,334 in 2005 to 174,306. Reference queries have declined even more dramatically from 71,793 in 2002 to 36,548 in 2010.
Our services staff have done a remarkable job in transforming themselves in a period of rapid transformation across the libraries. We have moved to a “blended services” model where all initial transactions are handled by the staff at these main service points including circulation, ILL and research help. Kudos to them for moving ahead positively, proactively and creatively! I will post a pic of the updated service point in a few days.
