What is Roving reference Service?

What is Roving reference Service?

Roving Reference is reference conducted outside of the reference desk. The idea here is to remove barriers between staff and patrons, and to lend assistance where patrons need it rather than having them come to a desk.

Roving Reference can be implemented in a number of ways, and to a number of degrees:

§  Supplemental to a reference desk and desk schedule. In this model there would still be a manned information desk, but there would also be roving librarians addressing patron's needs on the floor. This roving can either be done through a roving schedule or by instructing library staff on the floor to be on the look-out for patrons who need assistance.

§  As a replacement for, or a partial replacement for, a reference desk and desk schedule. In this model, the majority of reference is carried out by roving staff, with the reference desk either being replaced entirely or having its role minimized. Library staff would be in communication with other staff by the means of headsets or other portable communication devices, and might have access to the catalogue by similar means.

For in depth study please read the following articale.

http://archive.ifla.org/VII/dg/dgrw/dp99-05.htm