Academic libraries have traditionally collected reference statistics using hash marks on paper. Although efficient and simple, this method is not an effective way to capture the complexity of reference transactions. Several electronic tools are now available to assist libraries with collecting often elusive reference data--among them homegrown…

This study analyzes statistics of 17 public services units of the University of Colorado at Boulder libraries, measuring frequency of question-asking, types of questions and staff responsibility. The study seeks to determine fluctuations of reference service workloads over time, department staffing and training needs, and to provide supervisors…

Reference statistics were collected and analyzed for a three-year period from Fall 1975 to Summer 1976 at the Pennsylvania State University Main Undergraduate Library. Reference questions were classified and recorded in three categories: (1) search, (2) ready reference, and (3) directional. Hour of question, interlibrary loan, book, and telephone…