As we discussed in the Reference Meeting earlier today, I have been experimenting with Wufoo (an online html forms builder) to create an online form to collect data regarding Bio-Med Reference Desk transactions. Creating and editing forms and reports in Wufoo is extremely easy. Wufoo can also create online reports and/or export data directly to Excel.
I have created a form which I hope will accomplish at least two things. First, I hope it will make it much easier to record data about Ref Desk transactions. Second, I hope to capture data that will give us a much more complete picture of what occurs at the Reference Desk, including types of services provided, types of questions received, how our time is spent, etc. We will of course continue to collect the data necessary to supply ARL and AAHSL statistics. We will also work with Andre to see if we can come up with a form that will work for recording reference transactions across the Health Science Libraries.
I have created a prototype of a form that I would like to test for the next couple of weeks. So, when you work at the Reference Desk, please remember to submit a form for each reference transaction. Please also let me know what you think of it. I have already made several changes in response to user feedback, so please forward your ideas and suggestions to me.
I have added the link to the form to the Firefox bookmarks bars on the Reference Desk computers. You can also access the form at: http://biomedref.wufoo.com/forms/biomedical-library-reference-desk-transactions/.
Cindy has already created a prototype of a evaluation form for our Library classes in Wufoo. She is also interested in creating a form for reporting instruction and outreach statistics. I foresee many other possible uses for Wufoo forms here at Bio-Med: tracking our consultations, tracking literature searches, letting me know what Bio-Med Library classes you intend to teach each term, etc. In order to create multiple forms in Wufoo, however, the Libraries would need to purchase a license. In the meantime, I encourage you all to set up a free account of your own to experiment with Wufoo at http://wufoo.com/. Thanks to Chad for letting us know about this nifty application!
Martha
Posted by biomedref at February 14, 2007 01:40 PM