The document outlines the implementation of the READ scale©, a 6-point reference effort assessment tool developed by Dr. Bella Karr Gerlich, and its adaptation at UNCG. It details the logging of nearly 12,000 reference transactions and highlights the differences in handling reference interactions by interns and librarians. The conclusions drawn emphasize the need for improved awareness of skill levels and provide insights for better management of reference services.

1. Implementing the READ
Scale©:
An Additional Measure
of Reference
Interactions
Kelsey Cheshire and Emily Porter-Fyke

2. What is READ©?
Reference Effort Assessment Data
Available at readscale.org
Developed by Dr. Bella Karr Gerlich
6-point scale based on effort of interaction

3. The Original READ Scale©
1. No consultation of resources
2. Nominal resource consultation
3. Using ready reference resource
materials
4. Referring to multiple resources
5. More substantial effort and time
6. Can't be answered on the spot

4. UNCG Adaptation
Our strategy for
implementation
Interns or student
workers make great
guinea pigs!
Desk cheat sheet
(tinyurl.com/uncgreadscale)
Image courtesy of unicorngrease.tumblr.com

8. UNCG Data
• Almost 12,000
READ reference
transactions
logged so far
• How does it give
perspective to
reference
interactions?
• How can we
apply it in the
future?
Captain Ray Holt from the TV show Brooklyn Nine Nine viewing the movie Moneyball

9. 5643
2617
2505
918
57
6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Read Scale Numbers by Usage
N: 11,746

10. Directions and
General Info
2%
Reference
94%
Service
0%
Technology
4%
4-Level Reference Interactions
Directions and General Info Reference Service Technology
Directions and
General Info
2%
Reference
94%
Technology
5%
5 and 6-Level Reference Interactions
Directions and General Info Reference Technology

11. Directions and
General Info
58%
Reference
19%
Service
12%
Technology
11%
1 and 2 Level Interactions
Directions and General Info Reference Service Technology
Directions and
General Info
9%
Reference
85%
Service
2%
Technology
4%
3 Level Interactions
Directions and General Info Reference Service Technology

12. Conclusion
Individual Insight:
 How interns/librarians
differ in their treatment
of reference
interactions
 Provides awareness of
skill levels--where are
we proficient? What do
we need to improve
on?
Departmental Insight:
 Deeper understanding
of reference
interactions
 Better comprehension
of how/when we get
reference questions
(staffing, budgeting,
etc.)
 Testament to capability
of interns

13. Any
Questions?
Special Thanks:
Kathy Shields, Jenny
Dale, Amy Harris Houk,
and of course, Dr. Bella
Karr Gerlich
Contact Information:
Kelsey Cheshire
kmcheshi@uncg.edu
Emily Porter-Fyke
eiporter@uncg.edu