Reference Evaluation:

Patricia Hults
1992 The Reference librarian  
The current interest in reference evaluation has its roots in the unobtrusive testing begun twenty years ago. Evaluation before that was centered on criteria of quantity rather than quality. When unobtrusive testing began reporting accuracy rates hovering in the 50% range, reference services responded by exploring a variety of techniques to measure quality of service including unobtrusive testing, patron surveys, and peer review. Methods to improve reference service, such as training workshops,
more » ... peer coaching, and changes in organizational climate are also beginning to be critically examined. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The issue of reference evaluation is a relatively new phenomena, particularly when reference performance is considered. Murfin and Wynar identified under 40 articles concerning reference evaluation published between 1920 and 1960 (Murfin and Wynar 188-213; Altman 170). Until the late sixties virtually all assessment of reference service, other than patron Patricia
doi:10.1300/j120v17n38_17 fatcat:kmhjp4cmebhd7d2nmb4cpljej4