Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato
Abstract
In this session we will share our story about moving from quantitative reference statistics to qualitative data. Our journey involved both in-person and online reference transactions prior to the pandemic and moved to 100% virtual reference service during the pandemic. We will describe how our approaches evolved due to changes in software options and how we have continued to tell our story during the pandemic. We will identify opportunities to use qualitative reference statistics to demonstrate library value and we will articulate how qualitative and quantitative reference statistics can be used for internal library planning. We will offer library professionals the opportunity to consider how they can use qualitative and quantitative data collection practices to increase internal and external communication, demonstrate how librarians impact student success, allow for better follow through when problems arise, and increase opportunities to analyze reference transactions and improve resource management
