Background

From SLNSW

A key element of roving reference is approachability. When library staff are away from a service point you have to look like you can be approached or ‘interrupted’. You need to not look so busy that people don’t want to ask you a question. You may be doing some reshelving, or adding to a display, or you might be walking around looking for people to approach.

Roving is a different kind of service. You are leaving the desk, possibly spending more time with people while you are helping them with enquiries. You also have to think about how you approach people, and each staff member will have a different comfort zone.

As well as enabling people to approach you when you are away from the desk library staff also need a non-threatening way of asking people who are browsing the shelves if they need help.