As part of the annual statistics Metro reports to ODL (the Oklahoma Department of Libraries) each year, we will soon be conducting a system-wide Reference Survey. Answering the questions of customers is an important part of the service that libraries provide to the public, and this survey aims to estimate the scale at which Metro libraries provide this service.

From Wednesday, September 5th through Tuesday, September 11th every library staff member will be asked to keep track of the number of question-driven interactions they have with customers each day and note whether the interaction is a Reference or Non-Reference transaction (more details on the difference between the two are below).

At the conclusion of the survey, results will be shared on the Intranet once the data has been collected and analyzed.

We appreciate your help in creating an accurate picture of the amazing work Metro Library staff do each day and encourage you to ask questions if you need any clarification. Please read through the overview and supplementary documents before the survey period begins. 

Survey Overview

Survey Period: Wednesday, September 5^th through Tuesday, September 11^th

Survey Purpose: To estimate the number of reference and non-reference interactions that take place between library staff and customers at each library.

Be sure to ask your manager about any particular instructions they may have for you during the survey period. Unless you are directed otherwise by your manager, below are some quick guidelines:

What Library Staff Need to Do:

• During the workday, have open on a computer the online survey [1] (the online survey is the preferred method for completing the survey) or have a printed copy of the printable survey [2] near your work area.
• For each interaction with a customer where a staff member answers a customer’s question(s), evaluate whether the transaction is a reference or a non-reference transaction. Please refer to the Transaction Reference Guide [3] for guidance on what is considered reference vs. non-reference. A few factors to also consider,​
  
  • A transaction with a customer involving multiple questions should be reported as one transaction
  • If an interaction involves both reference and non-reference questions, it should be reported as one reference transaction
• If using the online survey, be sure to submit your survey at the end of each workday
• If using the hard copy survey, speak to your manager about how they want to submit the survey responses.

Please reach out if you have any questions  (extension 3821 or [email protected] [4])

Important Links and Documents

• Link to Online Survey [1]
• Printable Survey [2]
• Transaction Reference Guide [5]

Thanks in advance for your participation and assistance during the survey period!