William Paterson University of New Jersey

Abstract

This chapter is an overview of the reference and instruction services provided by librarians at David & Lorraine Cheng Library at William Paterson University of New Jersey. Included will be a brief history of the University and the library along with an overview of the reference and instruction services currently provided and the relationship to past practices, how they have evolved through the years, and what impact these services have on student learning. Cheng Library has retained the traditional reference desk that is staffed by professional librarians which continues to work well for students, although assistance is also available via email, chat and during individual research appointments. Librarians from other departments serve as reference adjuncts which allows for double coverage at the desk during peak hours on weekdays and all librarians, including the Dean, are required to conduct instruction sessions for First Year Seminar classes during the fall semester. While the FYS classes provide a cohort for assessing information literacy skills, additional assessment activities have become a component of the instruction program and reflect national trends in terms of demonstrating the value of library services and resources. All full time librarian positions are tenure track and librarians have faculty status. While budget constraints have hampered some projects, Cheng Library remains committed to providing students with the highest level of service possible, and it has been able to make significant changes to the physical space of the library in response to student needs and as a result of technology.

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