[Libs-Or] Survey results –reference paraprofessionals in public libraries

[Mary Buelow]

Hello,
March 2024 you graciously shared our request for Oregon library staff to participate in a survey about the reference responsibilities of paraprofessional (non-MLS) reference workers in public libraries.   We would like an opportunity to say thank you and share our results
Would you be able to share the following notice with your members?

Thank you for your help!
In spring 2024 the User Services in Public Libraries Committee conducted a survey of the reference responsibilities of paraprofessional (non-MLS) workers in public libraries.  Using the study's results, we created a practical tool supervisors can use to develop a data-driven training plan for paraprofessional staff. This plan prioritizes the most frequently requested topics in public libraries.
Results are published in the July/August issue of Public Libraries.  This issue is digital only, so I am sharing the article reference in case you missed it.
Buelow, M, Lapinski, R, & Bounds, K. (2025). Ready reference: How to effectively train paraprofessionals in public libraries. Public Libraries, 64(4), 16-43.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14MwThYw55vfelW1VInQNi4ZX3w2DdyGL/view?usp=sharing
We could not have done this without help from the libraries across the country who took time to fill out our survey and share your thoughts.  Thank you all so much!
The User Services in Public Libraries is a subcommittee of the Reference Services Section of RUSA.  Our charge is to study, promote, and support the role of reference and user services in public libraries.   If you like asking questions, researching answers, analyzing results and creating useful tools for the library community please consider joining us!  You can fill out the volunteer form at https://www.ala.org/cfapps/committee/volunteerform and use the pull down menu to select RUSA-RSS.  Alternately, you ​can contact the committee at RSS.USPL at gmail.com or contact me at mbuelow at hedbergpubliclibrary.org
Sincerely,




Mary Buelow, Public Services Librarian
Hedberg Public Library
316 S Main St
Janesville, WI  53545

(608) 758-5808

2024 -2025 User Services in Public Libraries Committee Co-Chair
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