Development of the Chester Fritz Library (CFL) Peer Research Consultants Program

There has been a steady decline in the number of reference questions asked at central reference desks at academic libraries across the United States. The reference desk at the University of North Dakota’s main library has also seen a steady decline in reference questions. In an effort to make better use of professional librarians’ time and energy, library staff are starting a pilot program in Fall 2019 to use undergraduate peer research consultants (PRC’s) to staff the reference desk, thereby freeing up the reference librarians to do more library instruction and outreach. The PRC’s will be undergraduate students trained in reference services and will be able to assist their undergraduate peers. This talk covers how CFL is developing the program.https://commons.und.edu/cfl-lpp/1010/thumbnail.jp