Development of the Richard J. Brown Library information kiosk

Abstract

This paper follows the development of the “Richard J. Brown Library Information Center”, a computer-based informational kiosk. The information center was developed in response to a perceived need by the college’s Audio Visual (A/V) department. It was placed in service for a trial period early in February of 1998, and remained operational until the end of the semester in May of 1998. The information center was to answer basic questions the library patrons had about the Richard J. Brown Library. The library staff saw it as a place where questions regarding locations, features, and policies could be readily answered. The center would augment services provided by the circulation desk staff and serve as a backup during times when the staff was busy with other patrons. After an initial rush by the curious, utilization of the center was minimal and the library staff began to wonder about its usefulness. The information center was taken off line for evaluation at the end of the semester. Evaluation of the project lead to the conclusion that it was not meeting the library’s needs and should be discontinued.