"Hacking Reference: Engaging the 'Whole' Student

2014 Fall Program
December 5, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

On Friday, December 5, 2014, CARLDIG-South hosted its annual fall workshop at Founder’s Hall, Mt. San Antonio College. Over 60 librarians attended the workshop, “Hacking Reference: Engaging the ‘Whole’ Student.” The workshop featured five presentations on how libraries are “hacking” the provision of reference service through non-traditional means.

The first speaker, Vivian Linderman from Long Beach Public Library, presented on “Utilizing Pinterest as a Reference Tool.” Her presentation highlighted the Pinterest boards of academic libraries and librarians aimed at sharing resources with students, many of whom are absorbed with visual social media sites. Vivian shared Pinterest boards related to academic writing, pro/con issues, primary sources, history, science, and loanable technology. The second presenters, Paul Stenis, Marc Vinyard, Jaimie Beth Colvin, and Mary Ann Naumann from Pepperdine University, discussed their response to a campus-wide initiative to combat student loneliness and address the “whole” student with their presentation, “Mario hacks the shush castle.” These librarians planned and marketed a series of gaming events and tournaments at their library in 2014. They have found that by engaging students with programming that is social and entertaining, students will be more likely to return when it comes time to conduct research. Danielle Kane, the Emerging Technology Librarian at University of California, Irvine followed with a presentation on “ANTswers: Your interactive FAQ.” ANTswers is a beta conversational agent that was implemented in March of 2013 at the UCI Libraries to augment and bridge gaps in library services. Also known as a Chatbot, it can walk patrons through basic tasks like renewing items online, ordering ILL materials, and searching for materials in catalogs and databases.

After the morning break, Brett Bodemer, Coordinator of Reference at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo presented “From ticks to Tableau: Hacking reference data so it screams.” Brett worked closely with his Library’s data and GIS specialist to annually re-hack a lengthy online reference form, and then manipulate the data in Tableau software to present visually compelling results that are informative and actionable, not only from the vantage of improving reference services, but in getting administrators to acknowledge the extent of reference. In the fifth and final presentation: “MakerSpaces and 3D Printing,” Studio Guide David Hedden of the Long Beach Public Library provided an overview of programs, software, hardware, apps, and strategic partnerships needed in order to have a dedicated MakerSpace up and running. David also spoke about the role of 3D printers in rapid prototyping, which can spur innovation. The Studio at LBPL is a fluid space used by all ages, and has involved community members in the planning of its programs through design charrettes.

These presentations were followed by “speed-hacking” rounds. Participants divided into 5 groups, and each small group had a date with each of the presenters, allowing for intimate, tailored discussion.

Presentations & Speakers (with corresponding links to presentation material):

Utilizing Pinterest as a reference tool

Vivian Linderman (Long Beach City College)

Mario hacks the shush castle

Paul Stenis, Marc Vinyard, Jaimie Beth Colvin, and Mary Ann Naumann (Pepperdine University)
Presentation

ANTswers: Your interactive FAQ

Danielle Kane (University of California, Irvine)
Presentation

From ticks to tableau: Hacking reference data so it screams

Brett Bodemer (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)
Presentation
Link 1
Link 2

Makerspaces and 3D Printing

David Hedden (Long Beach Public Library)
Presentation