Public Services: Reference & Access Subcommittee Annual Report 2023

submitted by Laura Thompson

Current Roster

  • Laura Thompson, chair (2027)
  • Carol I. Lubkowski (2024)
  • Sarah Ward (2026)
  • Melanie Zeck (2026)
  • Jessica M. Abbazio (2027)
  • Bonnie L. Finn (2027)

List of Previous Goals and Progress Made

  • 1. Continue to offer responses to queries from the “Ask MLA” feature on the MLA website. Complete review of Ask MLA emails to determine whether standard replies or public FAQ is needed.
    • Work for reviewing AskMLA is ongoing. Members continue to successfully monitor and respond to questions and comments. The development of standard replies or a public FAQ is also ongoing.
  • 2. Explore options for developing shared music reference training resources.
    • Work is ongoing, pending the successful development and administration of a survey as a follow up to the subcommittee’s previous survey exploring music reference models, with a focus on changes and developments post-pandemic.
  • 3. Propose/sponsor session for MLA 2024 to promote discussion around reference and access services issues.
    • Completed. Subcommittee proposed a session for MLA 2024 regarding current music and arts stacks maintenance practices.

List of Future Goals

  • 1. Continue to offer responses to queries from the “Ask MLA” feature on the MLA website. Complete review of Ask MLA emails to determine whether standard replies or public FAQ is needed.
    • Goal Area 4: Strengthen Communication; Objective 4.2: Conduct an evaluation of MLA’s methods of external communication.
  • 2. Develop and administer survey on current music reference models as a follow up to the survey administered by RASS members in 2019, considering developments and changes post-pandemic.
    • Goal Area 2: Develop and Retain Membership; Objective 2.3: Explore educational and networking opportunities beyond annual and chapter conferences.
    • Objective 4.5: Participate in the community of music librarianship existing outside of MLA.
  • 3. Following results from reference model survey, revisit options for developing shared music reference training resources.
    • Goal Area 2: Develop and Retain Membership; Objective 2.3: Explore educational and networking opportunities beyond annual and chapter conferences.
    • Objective 4.5: Participate in the community of music librarianship existing outside of MLA.
  • 4. Propose/sponsor session for MLA 2025 to promote discussion around reference and access services issues.
    • Goal Area 2: Develop and Retain Membership; Objective 2.5: Encourage member retention through targeted programs and support for member engagement at all career levels.