When the Shared Service Point isn't Shared Anymore

Abstract

It didn't seem that long ago that many academic libraries were touting the combined service point where Reference, Instruction, and Access Services came together to help provide seamless service to our patrons. But what happens when Access Services is the only department still manning service points, but the expectations for seamless service didn't leave with our partners? What happens when budget cuts force security and custodial cuts that can only be filled with student workers from the only department that seems to have capacity?, At the University of Nebraska Libraries, we have retooled our student and staff training to accommodate service at twelve service points across eight libraries; to include collection maintenance, circulation, ILL, Reserves, Reference and Custodial with one student body. We will talk how we have learned from others and created our own systems to provide a flexible, responsible and knowledgeable group that truly embodies a centralized Services Desk.,