New Norms for Reference Desk Staffing Adequacy: A Comparative Study

Severe economic conditions have resulted in budget cutbacks and hiring freezes in many colleges, universities, and their libraries. With the financial crisis in higher education showing no sign of easing, libraries must use their staff efficiently. Norms for reference desk staffing were first compiled by Marjorie E. Murfin in 1983, using 1978-79 data from 73 academic libraries. In order to assess reference desk staffing adequacy ten years later and analyze comparatively any possible fluctuation, this article presents new norms using 1988-89 statistics from more than one hundred academic libraries. These norms may help libraries assess their current and desirable staffing levels and recognize potential problems in providing public service. They establish a basis of comparison with similar institutions and a method of appraisal for measuring the impact of change.